Elite event canola NS-B50027-4

ABSTRACT

The present embodiments relate to elite event NS-B50027-4, seeds and oils obtained from NS-B50027-4, progeny derived from NS-B50027-4, the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of NS-B50027-4, and compositions and methods for the identification of elite event NS-B50027-4. In particular, NS-B50027-4 is a transgenic canola line capable of producing at least 5% DHA in its seed oil.

RELATED APPLICATION

This Application is a division of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/626,064, filed Jun. 16, 2017, which claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/351,246, filed Jun. 16, 2016, which are incorporated fully herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted in ASCII format via EFS-Web and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present embodiments relate to the field of canola breeding and agricultural products, specifically to elite event NS-B50027-4.

BACKGROUND

Canola is an important oil crop in many areas of the world. The fatty acid composition of canola oil is rich in both mono-unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids including short chain omega-3, but lacks in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Long chain omega-3 (LC-ω3) fatty acids have established health benefits, but currently LC-ω3 fatty acids are obtained primarily from algae directly or from algae-eating ocean fish. Recognition of dietary LC-ω3 fatty acids, especially docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 n-3; DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 n-3; EPA), has contributed to a dramatic increase in the demand for consumable fish oil. Thus, there is a need for alternative, direct sources of LC-ω3 fatty acids for human consumption. Additionally, because farmed fish, such as Atlantic salmon, accumulate fatty acids in proportion to dietary fatty acids, there is a need to sustain the amount of LC polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs) in fish feed, and in turn ensure the presence of these fatty acids in farmed fish. Accordingly, there is a need for LC-PUFA-rich sources that can be used in aquaculture. For example, there is a need for canola that can produce LC-PUFA, particularly LC-ω3 fatty acid such as DHA, for use in aquaculture as well as for direct human consumption. Despite achievements in plant breeding and manipulation by molecular genetics, however, there are no commercial sources of canola oil that have the content of LC-PUFA approaching those produced in wild fishes. Further, a canola cultivar (not F1 hybrid) should be homogenous, homozygous, and reproducible to be useful for the production of a commercial crop on a reliable basis. Therefore, there remains a need for a canola line that can be grown as a sustainable crop, the seeds of which provide commercially viable amounts of LC-ω3 fatty acids such as DHA.

SUMMARY

The embodiments described herein provide an inbred recombinant canola line, designated NS-B50027-4, the seeds of which comprise advantageous levels of ω3 and LC-ω3 fatty acid, thus providing a renewable, land-based system to produce these valuable oils. A representative sample of seeds of inbred canola line NS-B50027-4 was deposited according to the Budapest Treaty at the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC®) (Manassas, Va.) on Jun. 9, 2016, and assigned Accession Number PTA-123186 (see Appendix A). Also described herein are cells, tissues, seeds, and oil of inbred canola line NS-B50027-4. The combination of selection and breeding with transgenic manipulation enables variation in a species where that variation does not exist. For example, the fatty acid profile of canola line NS-B50027-4 described herein does not exist in native B. napus; and the traits described herein, particularly the advantageous trait of producing DHA, were developed with significant technical intervention by man.

An aspect of the present embodiments provides seed of canola (Brassica napus L.) line NS-B50027-4, a genetically modified canola of cultivar AV Jade that was selected and bred to a stable, uniform breeding line that accumulates in its seeds a high proportion (percent) of ω3 and LC-ω3 fatty acids relative to the total fatty acid content. Inbred line NS-B50027-4 was developed to provide canola plants that produce seeds comprising LC-ω3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, at levels approaching those found in some wild fish oil. Edible oil derived from NS-B50027-4 has significantly higher DHA content than other B. napus plants. The novel, uniform breeding line NS-B50027-4 was developed by genetic transformation, followed by rigorous selection and breeding for the high DHA trait in a stable, high-yielding, morphologically fit canola line.

Accordingly, at least one embodiment described herein relates to the seeds of inbred canola line NS-B50027-4; to the plants cultivated from the seeds of inbred canola line NS-B50027-4, and parts thereof, such as pollen, ovule, or seed; and to methods for producing seed from a canola plant by cultivating inbred canola line NS-B50027-4, or by crossing inbred canola line NS-B50027-4 with itself or with another canola or Brassica line and obtaining seed from the cultivated progeny.

At least one embodiment provides seed from a population of canola plants produced by the method described herein, said population deriving, on average, 10% to 100% of its alleles from canola line NS-B50027-4. Similarly, the present embodiments provide use of canola line NS-B50027-4, a sub-line of NS-B50027-4, progeny of NS-B50027-4 or the sub-line, or a plant produced by crossing NS-B50027-4 with a second canola or Brassica plant, for breeding, or for cultivating a plant for seed, oil, meal, or protein production.

At least one embodiment provides a seed of an oilseed rape plant, such as a Brassica napus plant, comprising in its genome at least a portion of the genome of inbred line NS-B50027-4. At least one embodiment provides a plant, such as a B. napus plant, comprising in its genome at least a portion of the genome of inbred line NS-B50027-4. At least one embodiment provides a cell of an oilseed rape plant, such as a B. napus plant, comprising in its genome at least a portion of the genome of inbred line NS-B50027-4. Another embodiment provides a genomic DNA of an oilseed rape plant, such as a B. napus plant, comprising the at least a portion of the genome of line NS-B50027-4. At least one embodiment further relates to seeds, cells, tissues, tissue cultures, progeny, and descendants from a plant comprising at least a portion of the genome of NS-B50027-4 grown from seed deposited at the ATCC® having Accession No. PTA-123186. Another embodiment further provides plants obtainable from (such as by propagation of or breeding with) a canola plant comprising at least a portion of the genome of NS-B50027-4 (such as a plant grown from the seed deposited at the ATCC® having Accession No. PTA-123186).

At least one embodiment provides a seed of an oilseed rape plant, such as a B. napus plant, comprising in its genome the elite event of line NS-B50027-4. At least one embodiment provides a plant, such as a B. napus plant, comprising in its genome the elite event of inbred line NS-B50027-4. Another embodiment provides a genomic DNA of an oilseed rape plant, such as a B. napus plant, comprising the elite event of line NS-B50027-4. At least one embodiment further relates to seeds, cells, tissues, progeny, and descendants from a plant comprising the elite event of NS-B50027-4 grown from seed deposited at the ATCC® having Accession No. PTA-123186. Another embodiment further provides plants obtainable from (such as by propagation of or breeding with) a canola plant comprising the elite event (such as a plant grown from the seed deposited at the ATCC® having Accession No. PTA-123186. The embodiments also relate to canola plants comprising elite event NS-B50027-4.

Reference seed of inbred line NS-B50027-4 of the present embodiments has been deposited with ATCC® under Accession No. PTA-123186. At least one embodiment provides the seed of NS-B50027-4 deposited as Accession No. PTA-123186, which grows into a canola plant the seed of which, at conventional harvest, comprises at least 5% DHA, about 6% DHA, about 7% DHA, about 8% DHA, about 9% DHA, about 10% DHA, about 11% DHA, about 12% DHA, about 13% DHA, about 14% DHA, about 15% DHA, about 16% DHA, about 17% DHA, inclusive, or more DHA, as wt. % of the total fatty acids of the seed.

In at least one embodiment, the seed of ATCC® Accession No. PTA-123186 is a seed lot consisting of at least about 95% inbred transgenic seeds having the transgenes of elite event of NS-B50027-4, that grow into a canola plant the seed of that comprises at least 5% DHA, about 6% DHA, about 7% DHA, about 8% DHA, about 9% DHA, about 10% DHA, about 11% DHA, about 12% DHA, about 13% DHA, about 14% DHA, about 15% DHA, about 16% DHA, about 17% DHA, inclusive, or more DHA, as wt. % of the total fatty acids of the seed. The seed of ATCC® deposit Accession No. PTA-123186 is a seed lot consisting of at least about 95% transgenic seeds homozygous for the transgene DNA, comprising the elite event of NS-B50027-4, that grow into a canola plant the seed of which comprises at least 5% LC-PUFA, about 6% LC-PUFA, about 7% LC-PUFA, about 8% LC-PUFA, about 9% LC-PUFA, about 10% LC-PUFA, about 11% LC-PUFA, about 12% LC-PUFA, about 13% LC-PUFA, about 14% LC-PUFA, about 15% LC-UFA, about 16% LC-PUFA, about 17% LC-PUFA, about 18% LC-PUFA, about 19% LC-PUFA, about 20% LC-PUFA, about 21% LC-PUFA, inclusive, or more LC-PUFA, as the sum of EPA, DPA, and DHA as wt. % of the total fatty acids of the seed.

In another embodiment, the seed or progeny seed obtainable or obtained from the deposited seed (e.g., following crossing with a canola or Brassica plant with the same or a different genetic background) can be sown, and the growing plants may have substantially the same phenotype as that of NS-B50027-4. In at least one embodiment, at conventional harvest the fatty acid content of NS-B50027-4-progeny seed comprises at least 5% DHA, about 6%, about 7% DHA, about 8% DHA, about 9% DHA, about 10% DHA, about 11% DHA, about 12% DHA, about 13% DHA, about 14% DHA, about 15% DHA, about 17% DHA, about 18% DHA, about 19% DHA, about 20% DHA, about 21% DHA, about 22% DHA, about 23% DHA, about 24% DHA, inclusive, or more DHA, as wt. % of the total fatty acids of the seed. In at least one embodiment, at conventional harvest the fatty acid content of NS-B50027-4 progeny seed comprises at least 5% LC-PUFA, about 6% LC-PUFA, about 7% LC-PUFA, about 8% LC-PUFA, about 9% LC-PUFA, about 10% LC-PUFA, about 11% LC-PUFA, about 12% LC-PUFA, about 13% LC-PUFA, about 14% LC-PUFA, about 15% LC-UFA, about 16% LC-PUFA, about 17% LC-PUFA, about 18% LC-PUFA, about 19% LC-PUFA, about 20% LC-PUFA, about 21% LC-PUFA, about 22% LC-PUFA, about 23% LC-PUFA, about 24% LC-PUFA, about 25% LC-PUFA, inclusive, or more LC-PUFA, as the sum of EPA, DPA, and DHA as wt. % of the total fatty acids of the seed.

The seed of NS-B50027-4 also contains substantially more ω3 ALA than conventional canola varieties. In at least one embodiment, at conventional harvest the fatty acid content of NS-B50027-4 progeny seed comprises at least 15% ALA, about 16% ALA, about 17% ALA, about 18% ALA, about 19% ALA, about 20% ALA, about 21% ALA, about 22% ALA, about 23% ALA, about 24% ALA, inclusive, or more ALA as wt. % of the total fatty acids of the seed.

Another aspect of the present embodiments provides oil with advantageous ω3 fatty acid and LC-ω3 fatty acid levels, in which the fatty acid content contains a higher ratio of ω3: ω6 fatty acid than that of regular canola oil. For example, AV Jade has no EPA/DPA/DHA(ω3) to compare with LA(ω6), in one embodiment seed oil from NS-B50027-4 has an EPA/DPA/DHA(ω3):LA(ω6) ratio of about 1 to about 7, such as about 1.25. The ratio of ω3: ω6 fatty acid from NS-B50027-4 is particularly advantageous regarding palmitic acid. Oil from the parent line AV Jade has no DHA, and thus no DHA:palmitate ratio; oil from NS-B50027-4 has a DHA:palmitate ratio of, for example, about 2.12; oil from farm-raised salmon, in comparison, has a reported DHA:palmitate ratio of 0.59; and oil from wild salmon has a reported DHA:palmitate ratio of 1.02. In at least one embodiment, the ratio of ω3: ω6 fatty acid in seed oil of NS-B50027-4 is about 3 to about 7, such as a ratio of about 6.

In another aspect of the present embodiments, oil, lipid, ω3-FA, LC-PUFA, or DHA from inbred line NS-B50027-4 seed is used as or in a foodstuff (food or edible material including beverages) or as nutritional supplements (food additives) for humans or animals. In at least one embodiment, oil, lipid, ω3-FA, LC-PUFA, or DHA from event NS-B50027-4 seed is used to supplement feed or as a feed additive for use in aquaculture. In at least one embodiment, oil, lipid, ω3-FA, LC-PUFA, or DHA from event NS-B50027-4 seed is used as or in a pharmaceutical composition. In at least one other embodiment, the seed meal or protein obtained of concentrated from the seed of NS-B50027-4 or its progeny is as or in a foodstuff (food or edible material) or as nutritional supplements (food additives) for humans or animals. In particular embodiments, oil, lipids, meal, or proteins from seed of NS-B50027-4 or its progeny is used as feed for aquaculture.

An aspect of the present embodiments provides a method of increasing the LC-PUFA in a plant by providing (e.g., by genetic transformation or breeding) the plant with multiple copies of genetic constructs expressing some enzymes of the “front end” of the LC-PUFA biosynthetic pathway. For example, although not all of the enzymes Δ6-desaturases, Δ5-desaturases, Δ5-elongases, and ω3/415-desaturases may be considered exclusively as the front end enzymes, in particular embodiments these genes are assembled into an artificial locus that enhances the production of LC-PUFA, such as DHA, in a plant that produces LC-PUFA. In particular embodiments, the artificial locus comprising some front end genes includes Micromonas pusilla-derived Δ6-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ5-elongase, Pavlova salina-derived Δ5-desaturase, and Pichia pastoris-derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase.

An aspect of the described embodiments provides a new canola breeding line, designated NS-B50027-4, and an oilseed rape plant, such as Brassica napus L., comprising in its nuclear genome the elite event of NS-B50027-4. Brassica plants comprising the genetic event of line NS-B50027-4 are capable of seed-specific production of fatty acids that comprise more unsaturated, longer chains than the fatty acids produced in conventional canola plants. Inbred canola line NS-B50027-4 plants exhibit other agronomic performance traits that are substantially equivalent to non-transgenic isogenic canola plant lines; but such traits are distinct from other lines as to provide an independent line or cultivar. A representative sample of inbred canola line NS-B50027-4 seeds has been deposited at the ATCC®, Accession No. PTA-123186.

At least one embodiment relates to a transgenic canola seeds, plants or plant parts, tissues or cells thereof, having stably integrated into the genome at least one transgenic insert comprising an expression cassette comprising sixteen heterologous genes, the transgenes being codon-optimized for plant expression and encoding Pavlova salina-derived Δ4-desaturase, Pavlova salina-derived Δ5-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ5-elongase, Micromonas pusilla-derived Δ6-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ6-elongase, Lachancea kluyveri-derived Δ12-desaturase, Pichia pastoris-derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase, and at least one Nicotiana tabacum-derived matrix attachment region (MAR), and a selectable marker gene; and at least one transgenic insert comprising an expression cassette four heterologous genes, the transgenes being codon-optimized for plant expression and encoding Micromonas pusilla-derived Δ6-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ5-elongase, Pavlova salina-derived Δ5-desaturase, Pichia pastoris-derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase transgenes, and a least one Nicotiana tabacum-derived MAR. Inbred transgenic line NS-B50027-4 exemplifies this embodiment, and a representative sample of seeds with these heterologous genes has been deposited at the ATCC®, Accession No. PTA-123186.

Another aspect of the present embodiments provides isolated or purified genomic DNA obtained from inbred canola line NS-B50027-4 or canola plants comprising the elite event of line NS-B50027-4, seed of which having been deposited as ATCC Accession No. PTA-123186. Such genomic DNA may be used, for example, as reference control material in identification assays herein described. At least one embodiment provides for genome of Brassica napus L., having a deletion in the 3′ UTR of a HPP gene located on chrUn_random of B. napus reference genome (2n=AACC; var. Darmor) at position 118589903-118591677, and at chromosome A02 of B. rapa reference genome (2n=AA, var. Chiifu) at position 18569298-18571066, wherein the deletion is GTAGCACGACAAGTT (SEQ ID NO:38). A 15-bp deletion was located on chrUn_random of B. napus reference genome at position 118589927-118589941 and on chromosome A02 of B. rapa reference genome at position 18569316-18569330. At least one embodiment provides for a Brassica napus L. plant having a deletion in the second exon of the gene encoding the Pto-interacting protein (PTI), located on chromosome A05 of B. napus reference (var. Darmor) genome at position 17267746-17270700, which deletion disrupts the expression of PTI, wherein the deletion is CACGGTGGAGGTCACCATGT (SEQ ID NO:39). These deletions are a characteristic of the genome of inbred canola line NS-B50027-4, and can be used to identify line NS-B50027-4 and progeny derived from line NS-B50027-4.

Accordingly, the present embodiments further provides methods for identifying a transgenic plant, or cells or tissues thereof, comprising the transgenic aspect (elite event) of inbred canola line NS-B50027-4, which method is based on identifying the presence of characterizing DNA molecules as having particular nucleotide sequences or encoding particular amino acids. For example, such characterizing DNA molecules comprise sequences of 15 base pairs (bp), at least 15 bp, 20 bp, at least 20 bp, at least 24 bp, at least 30 bp, or more than 30 bp that comprise the insertion junction site of the event, i.e., both a part of the inserted foreign DNA comprising LC-ω3 fatty acid synthesis genes or (“genes” including regulatory sequences for expression, etc.) and a part of the canola or Brassica genome (either the 5′ or 3′ flanking regions for each insertion) contiguous therewith, allowing specific identification of the elite event. For example, junction sequences of the 5′ end of the four-gene insert in chromosome A02 of NS-B50027-4 comprise SEQ ID NO:43; junction sequences of the 3′ end of the four-gene insert in chromosome A02 comprise SEQ ID NO:44; junction sequences of the 5′ end of the sixteen-gene insert in chromosome A05 of NS-B50027-4 comprise SEQ ID NO:45; and the junction sequences of the 3′ end of the sixteen-gene insert in chromosome A05 comprise SEQ ID NO:46. The embodiments also relate to plants comprising the elite event of inbred canola line NS-B50027-4 identified by such methods.

Another aspect of the present embodiments provides nucleic acid molecules (e.g., polynucleotides or DNA) comprising the insertion site of the NS-B50027-4 elite event and sufficient length of polynucleotides of both the canola genomic DNA and the transgenic DNA so as to be useful for the detection of the elite event of inbred line NS-B50027-4, and to characterize plants comprising the NS-B50027-4 elite event or are related to inbred line NS-B50027-4. Such molecules may comprise, for example, at least nine nucleotides of the canola genomic DNA and a similar number of nucleotides of the transgene DNA at each side of the junction site respectively. For example, such DNA molecules comprise at least nine nucleotides of the canola genomic DNA and a similar number of nucleotides of the transgene (foreign) DNA comprising genetic regions contiguous with the insertion site in SEQ ID NO:40 (e.g., nucleotides 2081 to 2098 and nucleotides 14193 to 14210), SEQ ID NO:41 (e.g., nucleotides 1151 to 1168 and nucleotides 47765 to 47782). In one aspect of the invention, canola plants are provided comprising such specific nucleic acid molecules.

At least one embodiment relates to transgenic Brassica or canola seed, or plant cells, plants, plant parts, or tissues thereof, having stably integrated into the genome at least one transgenic insert comprising an expression cassette(s) comprising sixteen heterologous genes, the transgenes being plant codon-optimized Micromonas pusilla-derived Δ6-desaturase, Δ6-elongase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ5-elongase, Pavlova salina-derived Δ5-desaturase, Pichia pastoris-derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase, Pavlova salina-derived Δ4-desaturase, and Lachancea kluyveri-derived Δ12-desaturase, at least one Nicotiana tabacum-derived matrix attachment region (MAR), and a selectable marker gene; the sixteen-transgene insert characterized by nucleotides 1268 to 47773 of SEQ ID NO:41; and at least one transgenic insert comprising an expression cassette (s) of four heterologous genes, the genes being codon-optimized for plant expression and encoding Micromonas pusilla-derived Δ6-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ5-elongase, Pavlova salina-derived Δ5-desaturase, Pichia pastoris-derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase transgenes, and a least one Nicotiana tabacum-derived MAR; the four-gene insert characterized by nucleotides 2090 to 14201 of SEQ ID NO:40. In at least one embodiment, the two expression cassettes are located in two different chromosomes in the plant genome.

Another embodiment provides a recombinant nucleic acid molecule having the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:41, or complements thereof. Another embodiment provides a recombinant nucleic acid molecule having the nucleic acid sequence of positions 2090 to 14201 of SEQ ID NO:40, or a complement thereof. Another embodiment provides a recombinant nucleic acid molecule having the nucleic acid sequence of positions 1160 to 47773 of SEQ ID NO:41, or a complement thereof. The present embodiments also provide transgenic Brassica or canola seeds comprising a nucleic acid molecule having the nucleic acid sequence of nucleotides 2090 to 14201 of SEQ ID NO:40, or a complement thereof; and Brassica or canola seeds comprising a nucleic acid molecule having the nucleic acid sequence of nucleotides 1160 to 47773 of SEQ ID NO:41, or complements thereof. Another embodiment provides seeds or cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules.

Another embodiment provides a DNA molecule comprising an artificial genetic locus comprising, in order, the following nucleotide sequences: (a) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 2747 to nucleotide 6250; (b) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 6257 to nucleotide 8414; (c) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 8415 to nucleotide 10374; (d) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 10375 to nucleotide 11544; and (e) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 11545 to nucleotide 14049; (f) a molecule with at least 80%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5%, sequence identity to the nucleotide sequences (a) through (e); or (g) complements thereof. A related embodiment provides plant cells, plant materials, or plant seeds comprising this artificial genetic locus.

Another embodiment provides a DNA molecule comprising an artificial genetic locus comprising, in order, the following nucleotide sequences: (a) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 1268 to nucleotide 5317; (b) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 5324 to nucleotide 7481; (c) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 7482 to nucleotide 9443; (d) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 9444 to nucleotide 10611; (e) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 10612 to nucleotide 13116); (f) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 13117 to nucleotide 17000); (g) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 17001 to nucleotide 19606); (h) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 19607 to nucleotide 29773; (i) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 20783 to nucleotide 22987; (j) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 23011 to 24370; (k) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 42561 to nucleotide 25920; (l) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 25943 to nucleotide 29324; (m) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 28157 to nucleotide 29324; (n) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 29324 to nucleotide 31830; (p) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 31831 to nucleotide 35816; (q) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 35817 to nucleotide 38319; (r) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 38320 to nucleotide 39488; (s) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 39489 to nucleotide 41449; (t) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 41450 to nucleotide 43607; (u) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 43614 to nucleotide 47662; (v) a molecule with at least 80%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5%, sequence identity to the nucleotide sequences (a) through (u), (a) through (j), (k) through (u); or (w) complements thereof. A related embodiment provides plant cells, materials, or seed comprising this artificial genetic locus.

Another embodiment provides a DNA molecule comprising an artificial genetic locus comprising, in order, the following nucleotide sequences: (a) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 2747 to nucleotide 4141; (b) the nucleotide sequence of the complement of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 7259 to nucleotide 8065; (c) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 8841 to nucleotide 10121; (d) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 12281 to nucleotide 13531; (e) a molecule with at least 80%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5%, sequence identity to the nucleotide sequences (a) through (d); or (f) complements thereof; wherein the artificial locus includes regulatory regions (e.g., promoters, leader sequences, terminators) to provide expression of (a) through (d) or (e) or (f). A related embodiment provides plant cells, plant materials, or plant seeds comprising this artificial genetic locus.

Another embodiment provides a DNA molecule comprising an artificial genetic locus comprising, in order, the following nucleotide sequences: (a) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 1820 to nucleotide 3208; (b) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 6326 to nucleotide 7126; (c) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 7908 to nucleotide 9192; (d) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 11352 to nucleotide 12596; (e) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 15216 to nucleotide 16556; (f) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 17619 to nucleotide 18866; (g) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 21895 to nucleotide 22647; (h) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 25943 to nucleotide 26283; (i) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 30066 to nucleotide 31313; (j) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 31831 to nucleotide 35816; (k) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 36335 to nucleotide 38319; (l) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 39749 to nucleotide 41023; (m) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 41805 to nucleotide 42605; (n) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 45724 to nucleotide 47111; (o) a molecule with at least 80%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5%, sequence identity to the nucleotide sequences (a) through (u), (a) through (j), (k) through (u); or (p) complements thereof; wherein the artificial locus includes regulatory regions (e.g., promoters, leader sequences, terminators) to provide expression of (a) through (n) or (o) or (p). A related embodiment provides plant cells, plant materials, or plant seeds comprising this artificial genetic locus.

In one embodiment, the transgenes of inbred line NS-B50027-4 as described herein have the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide positions 2090 to 14201, or its complement, or comprises a molecule with at least 80%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5%, sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide position 2090 to nucleotide position 14201, or its complement. In one embodiment, the transgenes of inbred line NS-B50027-4 as described herein have the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide positions 1268 to 47662, or its complement, or comprises a molecule with at least 80%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5%, sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide position 1268 to nucleotide position 47662, or its complement.

Also provided herein is a Brassica or canola plant, plant cell, tissue, or seed, comprising in its genome a nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide positions 2090 to 14201, or its complement, or comprises a molecule with at least 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide position 2090 to nucleotide position 14201, or its complement. Another embodiment provides a Brassica or canola plant, plant cell, tissue, or seed, comprising in its genome a nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide positions 1268 to 47662, or its complement, or comprises a molecule with at least 80%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5%, sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide position 1268 to nucleotide position 47662, or its complement.

Another aspect of the present embodiments provides kits and methods for determining whether a canola plant is or is related to inbred line NS-B50027-4, or a canola plant that comprises at least part of genetic elite event of line NS-B50027-4. Compositions and method for simple and unequivocal techniques for identification of elite event NS-B50027-4 in biological samples are described herein. For example, a kit includes at least one set of sense (forward) and antisense (backward) primers specific for the junction of Brassica chromosomal DNA and the inserted transgene. For example, the DNA junctions comprising sequences SEQ ID NO:43 (TGGAGGTGTTCAAACACT), NO:44 (ATAGTATTAGTATACAGA), NO:45 (GGCTAAGGTAACACTGAT), and NO:46 (CAGTGTTTGAAGGACAGA) are novel DNA sequences of elite event NS-B50027-4, and are diagnostic for canola plant NS-B50027-4 and progeny thereof. More specifically, the junction sequences in SEQ ID NO:43 and SEQ ID NO:44 represent nine polynucleotides on each side of an insertion site of the transgene sequence fragment and canola genomic chromosome A02 DNA; and the junction sequences in SEQ ID NO:45 and SEQ ID NO:46 represent nine polynucleotides on each side of an insertion site of the transgene sequence fragment and canola genomic chromosome A05 DNA. Longer or shorter polynucleotides can be selected from the flanking regions described herein.

The present embodiments further provide methods for identifying the elite event of inbred canola line NS-B50027-4 in a biological sample, based on primers or probes that specifically recognize the 5′ or 3′ flanking regions the foreign DNA inserts comprising the genetic event of elite event NS-B50027-4. More specifically, an example method comprises amplifying a nucleic acid present in a biological sample by a polymerase chain reaction with at least two primers, one of which recognizes the 5′ or 3′ Brassica flanking regions of the inserted foreign DNAs (heterologous or transgenic DNAs) of elite event NS-B50027-4, the other of which recognizes a sequence within the foreign DNA comprising, for example, foreign desaturase or elongase genes, to obtain a DNA fragment of between 100 bp and 800 bp. Primers or probes may identify NS-B50027-4 via a recognition of a sequence within the 5′ region of chromosome A02 flanking the insert: SEQ ID NO:40 from positions 1 to 2089 (or complements thereof), or within the 3′ region of chromosome A02 flanking the insert: SEQ ID NO:40 from positions 14202 to 15006 (or complements thereof); a sequence within the 5′ region of chromosome A05 flanking the insert: SEQ ID NO:41 from positions 1 to 1159 (or complements thereof), or within the 3′ region of chromosome A05 flanking the insert: SEQ ID NO:41 from positions 47774 to 49789 (or complements thereof); and at least one sequence within the foreign DNA comprising, for example, SEQ ID NO:40 from position 2090 to 14201 (or a complement thereof) or SEQ ID NO:41 from position 1160 to 47773 (or a complement thereof).

At least one embodiment further provides compositions useful in kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) assays (two allele-specific forward primers recognize SNP), droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assays, quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, paralog-specific assays, or assays for adventitious presence (AP) testing. Specific embodiments of primers useful for conducting KASP assays to detect NS-B50027-4 genetic traits, particularly useful in introgression studies and hybrid development, include at least ten contiguous nucleotides of the primers of SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:37, or complements thereof. The preceding primers or their complements may be included in a kit for the identification of NS-B50027-4, progeny of NS-B50027-4, or other plants or plant materials comprising at least a partial genome of NS-B50027-4. A related embodiment provides for plant material identified by such primers.

For example, at least one embodiment provides an isolated primer pair of DNA molecules, wherein a first primer comprises at least eleven contiguous nucleotides from nucleotide 1 to 235 of a 5′ canola flanking genomic region of SEQ ID NO:47 or full complements thereof, and a second primer comprises at least eleven contiguous nucleotides of a transgene region from nucleotide 236 to 470 of SEQ ID NO:47 or full complements thereof, wherein the primer pair of DNA molecules when used together in a DNA amplification reaction produces a diagnostic amplicon comprising SEQ ID NO:43 for canola event NS-B50027-4 or progeny thereof.

At least one embodiment provides a composition comprising an isolated primer pair of DNA molecules, wherein a first primer comprises at least eleven contiguous nucleotides from nucleotide 1 to 235 of a transgene region of SEQ ID NO:48 or full complements thereof, and a second primer comprises at least eleven contiguous nucleotides of a 3′ canola flanking genomic DNA region from nucleotide 236 to 470 of SEQ ID NO:48 or full complements thereof, wherein the primer pair of DNA molecules when used together in a DNA amplification reaction produces a diagnostic amplicon comprising SEQ ID NO:44 for canola event NS-B50027-4 or progeny thereof.

At least one embodiment provides an isolated primer pair of DNA molecules, wherein a first primer comprises at least eleven contiguous nucleotides from nucleotide 1 to 235 of a 5′ canola flanking genomic region of SEQ ID NO:49 or full complements thereof, and a second primer comprises at least eleven contiguous nucleotides of a transgene region from nucleotide 236 to 470 of SEQ ID NO:49 or full complements thereof, wherein the primer pair of DNA molecules when used together in a DNA amplification reaction produces a diagnostic amplicon comprising SEQ ID NO:45 for canola event NS-B50027-4 or progeny thereof.

At least one embodiment provides an isolated primer pair of DNA molecules, wherein a first primer comprises at least eleven contiguous nucleotides from nucleotide 1 to 235 of a transgene region of SEQ ID NO:50 or full complements thereof, and a second primer comprises at least eleven contiguous nucleotides of a 3′ canola flanking genomic DNA region from nucleotide 236 to 470 of SEQ ID NO:50 or full complements thereof, wherein the primer pair of DNA molecules when used together in a DNA amplification reaction produces a diagnostic amplicon comprising SEQ ID NO:46 for canola event NS-B50027-4 or progeny thereof.

Additionally, DNA event primer pairs can also be used to produce an amplicon diagnostic for NS-B50027-4 event. These event primer pairs include, for example, AATTGTTGGAGGTGTTCAAACACT (SEQ ID NO:51) and CGGAATCACAATCCCTGAATGATT (SEQ ID NO:52), or the complements thereof. The amplicon produced by SEQ ID NO:51 and SEQ ID NO:52 is about 250 polynucleotides. In addition to these primer pairs, any primer pair derived from SEQ ID NO:47, NO:48, NO:49, or NO:50, or the complements thereof, that when used in a DNA amplification reaction produces an amplicon diagnostic for NS-B50027-4 event is an aspect of the present embodiments.

Another embodiment provides at least one set of primers for one of a Pavlova salina-derived Δ4-desaturase, Pavlova salina-derived Δ5-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ5-elongase, Micromonas pusilla-derived Δ6-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ6-elongase, Lachancea kluyveri-derived Δ12-desaturase, Pichia pastoris-derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase; and at least one set of primers specific for the 5′ junction between the insert and the native Brassica chromosome A02 DNA, such as a junction from nucleotides 2033 to 2132 of SEQ ID NO:40, a 100 bp region comprising 43 bp of the insert and 57 bp of Brassica chromosome A02 DNA, or at least one set of primers specific for the 3′ junction between the insert and the native Brassica chromosome A02 DNA, such as a junction from nucleotides 14156 to 14255 of SEQ ID NO:40, a 100 bp region comprising 46 bp of the insert and 54 bp of Brassica chromosome A02 DNA; at least one set of primers specific for the 5′ junction between the insert and the native Brassica chromosome A05 DNA, such as a junction from nucleotides 47724 to 47823 of SEQ ID NO:41, a 100 bp region comprising 50 bp of the insert and 50 bp of Brassica chromosome A05 DNA, or at least one set of primers specific for the 3′ junction between the insert and the native Brassica chromosome A05 DNA, such as a junction from nucleotides 47724 to 47823 of SEQ ID NO:41, a 100 bp region comprising 50 bp of the insert and 50 bp of Brassica chromosome A05 DNA.

Another embodiment provides primers that recognizes a sequence within the foreign DNA of NS-B50027-4, comprising, for example, at least one primer of Micromonas pusilla derived Δ6-desaturase DNA having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:57, SEQ ID NO:58, or complements thereof; Pyramimonas cordata derived Δ5-elongase having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO:64, or complements thereof; Pavlova salina derived Δ5-desaturase having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO:62, or complements thereof; Pichia pastoris derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO:56, or complements thereof; Pavlova salina derived Δ4-desaturase having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:65, SEQ ID NO:66, or complements thereof; Lachancea kluyveri derived Δ12-desaturase having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:53, SEQ ID NO:54, or complements thereof; or Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ6-elongase having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:60, or complements thereof. Accordingly, the present embodiments provide specific primers and the specific DNA amplified using such primers, and to primers that can be derived from the sequence information provided herein.

In accord with methods for identifying NS-B50027-4 and progeny thereof, kits may comprise, in addition to a primer that specifically recognizes the 5′ or 3′ flanking region of elite event NS-B50027-4, a second primer that specifically recognizes a sequence within the foreign DNA comprising at least one of Micromonas pusilla derived Δ6-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata derived Δ5-elongase, Pavlova salina derived Δ5-desaturase, Pichia pastoris derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase, Pavlova salina derived Δ4-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ6-elongase, or Lachancea kluyveri derived Δ12-desaturase, for use in a PCR identification protocol. The kits of the may comprise at least two specific primers, one of which recognizes a sequence within the 5′ flanking region of elite event NS-B50027-4, and the other that recognizes a sequence within the foreign DNA comprising at least one of Micromonas pusilla derived Δ6-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata derived Δ5-elongase, Pavlova salina derived Δ5-desaturase, Pichia pastoris derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase, Pavlova salina derived Δ4-desaturase, or Lachancea kluyveri derived Δ12-desaturase.

The invention further relates to a kit for identifying elite event NS-B50027-4 in biological samples, said kit comprising the PCR primers comprising or consisting (essentially) of the nucleotide sequences of SEQ ID NO:1 to NO:37, or complements thereof, for use in the elite event NS-B50027-4 identification protocol described herein.

At least one embodiment relates to a transgenic canola seeds, plants or plant parts, tissues or cells thereof, having stably integrated into the genome at least one transgenic insert comprising an expression cassette comprising sixteen heterologous genes, the transgenes being plant codon-optimized Micromonas pusilla-derived Δ6-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ5-elongase, Pavlova salina-derived Δ5-desaturase, Pichia pastoris-derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase, Pavlova salina-derived Δ4-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ6-elongase, and Lachancea kluyveri-derived Δ12-desaturase, at least one Nicotiana tabacum-derived matrix attachment region (MAR), and a selectable marker gene; and at least one transgenic insert comprising an expression cassette the four heterologous genes, the genes being codon-optimized for plant expression and encoding Micromonas pusilla-derived Δ6-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ5-elongase, Pavlova salina-derived Δ5-desaturase, Pichia pastoris-derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase transgenes, and a least one Nicotiana tabacum-derived MAR, the four-gene expression cassette characterized as nucleotides 2090 to 14201 of SEQ ID NO:40. In at least one embodiment, the two expression cassettes are located in two different chromosomes in the plant genome.

Another embodiment provides a recombinant nucleic acid molecule having the nucleic acid sequence of FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO:40), or a complement thereof. Another embodiment provides a recombinant nucleic acid molecule having the nucleic acid sequence of FIG. 6 (SEQ ID NO:41), or a complement thereof. In one embodiment, the transgenes of inbred line NS-B50027-4 as described herein has the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide positions 2090 to 14201, or its complement, or comprises a molecule with at least 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide position 2090 to nucleotide position 14201, or its complement. Also provided herein is a canola plant, plant cell, tissue, or seed, comprising in its genome a nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide positions 2090 to 14201, or its complement, or comprises a molecule with at least 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide position 2090 to nucleotide position 14201, or its complement. In another embodiment, the transgenes of inbred line NS-B50027-4 as described herein has the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide positions 1268 to 47662, or its complement, or comprises a molecule with at least 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide position 1268 to nucleotide position 47662, or its complement. Also provided herein is a canola plant, plant cell, tissue, or seed, comprising in its genome a nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide positions 1268 to 47662, or its complement, or comprises a molecule with at least 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5% sequence identity to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide position 1268 to nucleotide position 47662, or its complement.

Another aspect of the present embodiments provides kits and methods for determining whether a canola plant is or is related to inbred line NS-B50027-4, or a canola plant that comprises at least part of genetic elite event of line NS-B50027-4. Compositions and method for simple and unequivocal techniques for identification of elite event NS-B50027-4 in biological samples are described herein. For example, a kit includes at least one set of sense (forward) and antisense (backward) primers specific for the junction of Brassica chromosomal DNA and the inserted transgene. The junction sequences, SEQ ID NO:43 (TGGAGGTGTTCAAACACT), NO:44 (ATAGTATTAGTATACAGA), NO:45 (GGCTAAGGTAACACTGAT), and NO:46 (CAGTGTTTGAAGGACAGA) are novel DNA sequences in NS-B50027-4 event, and are diagnostic for canola plant NS-B50027-4 and progeny thereof. The junction sequences in SEQ ID NO:43 and SEQ ID NO:44 represent nine polynucleotides on each side of an insertion site of the transgene sequence fragment and canola genomic chromosome A02 DNA; and the junction sequences in SEQ ID NO:45 and SEQ ID NO:46 represent nine polynucleotides on each side of an insertion site of the transgene sequence fragment and canola genomic chromosome A05 DNA. Longer or shorter polynucleotides can be selected from the flanking regions described herein.

Additionally, DNA event primer pairs can also be used to produce an amplicon diagnostic for NS-B50027-4 event. These event primer pairs include, for example, AATTGTTGGAGGTGTTCAAACACT (SEQ ID NO:51) and CGGAATCACAATCCCTGAATGATT (SEQ ID NO:52) or the complements thereof. The amplicon produced by SEQ ID NO:51 and SEQ ID NO:52 is about 250 polynucleotides. In addition to these primer pairs, any primer pair derived from SEQ IDs NO:43, NO:44, NO:45, or NO:46, or the complements thereof, that when used in a DNA amplification reaction produces an amplicon diagnostic for NS-B50027-4 event is an aspect of the present invention.

Another embodiment provides at least one set of primers for one of a Δ6-desaturase derived from the micro alga Micromonas pusilla, a Δ5-elongase derived from the micro alga Pyramimonas cordata, a Δ6-elongase derived from Pyramimonas cordata, a Δ5-desaturase derived from the marine microalga Pavlova salina, a Δ15/ω3-desaturase derived from the yeast Pichia pastoris, a Δ4-desaturase derived from Pavlova salina, or a Δ12-desaturase derived from the yeast Lachancea kluyveri; and at least one set of primers specific for the 5′ junction between the insert and the native Brassica chromosome A02 DNA, such as a junction from nucleotides 2033 to 2132 of SEQ ID NO:40, a 100 bp region comprising 43 bp of the insert and 57 bp of Brassica chromosome A02 DNA, or at least one set of primers specific for the 3′ junction between the insert and the native Brassica chromosome A02 DNA, such as a junction from nucleotides 14156 to 14255 of SEQ ID NO:40, a 100 bp region comprising 46 bp of the insert and 54 bp of Brassica chromosome A02 DNA; at least one set of primers specific for the 5′ junction between the insert and the native Brassica chromosome A05 DNA, such as a junction from nucleotides 11109 to 11209 of SEQ ID NO:41, a 100 bp region comprising 50 bp of the insert and 50 bp of Brassica chromosome A05 DNA, or at least one set of primers specific for the 3′ junction between the insert and the native Brassica chromosome A05 DNA, such as a junction from nucleotides 47724 to 47823 of SEQ ID NO:41, a 100 bp region comprising 50 bp of the insert and 50 bp of Brassica chromosome A05 DNA.

A further aspect of the embodiments described herein provide kits for identifying elite event NS-B50027-4 in biological samples, said kits comprising at least one primer or probe that specifically recognizes the 5′ or 3′ Brassica regions that flank the foreign DNA, and at least one primer or probe that specifically recognizes least one insert DNA of Micromonas pusilla-derived 46 desaturase, which may comprise the nucleotide sequence of GAGCACCTTGTAGTTGAGTCC (SEQ ID NO:57), AGTCTGAGGATGCTCCTATGC (SEQ ID NO:58), or complements thereof; Pyramimonas cordata derived Δ5-elongase, which may comprise the nucleotide sequence TGCTGGAACTCTTGGATACG (SEQ ID NO:63), CTGGGTGATGTACTTCTTCC (SEQ ID NO:64), or complements thereof; Pavlova salina derived Δ5-desaturase, which may comprise the nucleotide sequence GCTACCGATGCTTACAAGCA (SEQ ID NO:61), TAGTGAAGTCCGTGCTTCTC (SEQ ID NO:62), or complements thereof; Pichia pastoris derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase, which may comprise the nucleotide sequence GACGCTATCCCTAAGCACTGT (SEQ ID NO:55), GTCCACTCTTGAGCATCGTA (SEQ ID NO:56), or complements thereof; Pavlova salina derived Δ4-desaturase, which may comprise the nucleotide sequence GGCTTTCAGATCTGAGCATC (SEQ ID NO:65), CTCAGCCTTAACAAGAGGAG (SEQ ID NO:66), or complements thereof; Lachancea kluyveri derived Δ12-desaturase, which may comprise the nucleotide sequence TGGAGCTATCCCTCATGAGT (SEQ ID NO:53), GATCCTAGAACAGTAGTGGTG (SEQ ID NO:54), or complements thereof; Pyramimonas CS0140 derived Δ6 elongase, which may comprise the nucleotide sequence TGTTGCTATGGCTCAAGAGC (SEQ ID NO:59), CTAGCGTGGTGCTTCATGTA (SEQ ID NO:60), or complements thereof.

The kit of this embodiment may comprise, in addition to a primer that specifically recognizes at least one of the 5′ or 3′ flanking regions of elite event NS-B50027-4; and at a primer that specifically recognizes a sequence within the foreign DNA comprising at least one of Micromonas pusilla derived Δ6-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata derived Δ5-elongase, Pavlova salina derived Δ5-desaturase, Pichia pastoris derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase, Pavlova salina derived Δ4-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ6-elongase, or Lachancea kluyveri derived Δ12-desaturase, for use in a PCR identification protocol. The kit may comprise at least two specific primers, one of which recognizes a sequence within the 5′ flanking region of elite event NS-B50027-4, and the other that recognizes a sequence within the foreign DNA comprising at least one of Micromonas pusilla derived Δ6-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata derived Δ5-elongase, Pavlova salina derived Δ5-desaturase, Pichia pastoris derived Δ15/ω3-desaturase, Pavlova salina derived Δ4-desaturase, Pyramimonas cordata-derived Δ6-elongase, or Lachancea kluyveri-derived Δ12-desaturase.

A related aspect provides genomic DNA obtained or derived from plants, comprising at least part of the elite event of line NS-B50027-4. Such genomic DNA may be used as reference control material in the identification assays herein described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a scheme (map) of the GA7-modB transformation cassette.

FIG. 2 is a plasmid map of the binary vector, pJP3416.

FIG. 3 depicts grain yield plotted against predicted DHA, in kg/ha, across eight cultivation sites. ♦ is DHA Kg/ha; — is linear DHA Kg/ha; y=29.296x+2.8315; R²=0.8567.

FIG. 4 depicts grain yield graphed against predicted LC-PUFA (EPA, DPA, and DHA), in kg/ha, across eight sites. ♦ is LC-PFU Kg/ha; — is linear LC-PUF Kg/ha; y=34.043x+3.4049; R²=0.8636.

FIG. 5 shows the DNA sequence of the four-gene transgenic insert and its flanking B. napus sequences (bold) (SEQ ID NO:40).

FIG. 6 shows the DNA sequence of the sixteen-gene insert and its flanking B. napus sequences (bold) (SEQ ID NO:41).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, protocols, and reagents, etc., described herein and as such may vary. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims.

All patents and other publications identified are incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of describing and disclosing, for example, the methodologies described in such publications that might be used in connection with the present invention, but are not to provide definitions of terms inconsistent with those presented herein. These publications are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing in this regard should be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention or for any other reason. All statements as to the date or representation as to the contents of these documents is based on information available to the applicants and do not constitute any admission as to the correctness of the dates or contents of these documents.

As used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Throughout this specification, unless otherwise indicated, “comprise,” “comprises” and “comprising” are used inclusively rather than exclusively, so that a stated integer or group of integers may include one or more other non-stated integers or groups of integers. The term “or” is inclusive unless modified, for example, by “either.” Thus, unless context indicates otherwise, the word “or” means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list.

All values are approximate as there is some fluctuation in fatty acid composition due to environmental conditions. Values are typically expressed as percent by weight of total fatty acid, or percent weight of the total seed. Accordingly, other than in the operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities or reaction conditions used herein should be understood as modified in all instances by the term “about.”

Recombinant DNA techniques can be carried out according to standard protocols as known in the art. See Sambrook et al., MOLECULAR CLONING: LAB. MANUAL (2nd Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Press, NY (1989); Ausubel et al., CURRENT PROTOCOLS MOLEC. BIOL. (1994 and updates); DNA CLONING: PRACTICAL APPROACH, Vols. 1-4 (Glover & Hames, Eds., IRL Press 1995, 1996), Croy, PLANT MOLEC. BIOL. LABFAX (BIOS Sci. Pub. Ltd. & Blackwell Sci. Pub., UK, 1993); WO 2015089587.

Headings are provided for convenience only and are not to be construed to limit the invention in any way. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is defined solely by the claims. In order that the present disclosure can be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined. Additional definitions are set forth throughout the detailed description.

A “line” is a group of plants that displays very little overall variation among individuals sharing that designation. “Line” also refers to a homogeneous assemblage of plants carrying substantially the same genetic material that display little or no genetic variation between individuals for at least one trait. “Variety” or “cultivar” may be used interchangeably with “line,” but in general the former two terms refer to a line that is suitable for commercial production. “Genetically derived” as used for example in the phrase “genetically derived from the parent lines” means that the characteristic in question is dictated wholly or in part by an aspect of the genetic makeup of the plant in question.

“Brassica” plant as used herein refers to plants of the family of the Brassicaceae. The Brassica plant may belong to one of the species Brassica napus, B. rapa (or campestris), or B. juncea. Alternatively, the plant can belong to a species originating from intercrossing of these Brassica species, such as B. napocampestris, or of an artificial crossing of one of these Brassica species with another species of the Cruciferacea. Ploidy refers to whether the number of chromosomes exhibited by a cultivar is diploid or tetraploid. Because Brassica napus is an allotetraploid (amphidiploid) arising from the cross and retention of both genomes of Brassica rapa (previously B. campestris) and B. oleracea, a B. napus plant comprising transgenic event NS-B50027-4 may be used with breeding methods to introduce the NS-B50027-4 event, and thus the “trait” of producing LC-ω3 fatty acids as described herein, into other members of the Brassica genus. Accordingly, examples of members of the Brassica genus useful in practicing the present embodiments include but are not limited to B. juncea, B. napobrassica, B. oleracea, B. carinata, B. napus, B. rapa, and B. campestris, as well as any other plants belonging to the genus Brassica that permit breeding between Brassica species. Generally, “oilseed plant” refers to any one of the species B. napus, B. rapa (or campestris), or B. juncea.

Brassica napus is commonly known as rapeseed or oilseed rape and specific cultivars may be referred to as canola. As used herein, the term “canola” or “canola plant” refers to a Brassica plant capable of being used to produce canola oil (i.e., an oil meeting a specific quality designation of containing less than 2% erucic acid) and includes varieties of Brassica napus, B. napobrassica, B. rapa, B. juncea, and B. campestris. Canola is an amphidiploid (also called an allotetraploid), an interspecific hybrid having a complete diploid chromosome set from each parent form, with genome AACC.

“Canola” and “canola plant” typically refers to Brassica napus, but includes all plant varieties that can be bred with canola. “Canola” and “canola plant” also includes plant parts. “Canola oil” must contain less than 2% erucic acid; and one gram of air-dry, oil-free solid canola seed must contain less than 30 μmoles of 3-butenyl glucosinolate, 4-pentenyl glucosinolate, 2-hydroxy-3 butenyl glucosinolate, 2-hydroxy-4-pentenyl glucosinolate, or a mixture thereof. See, e.g., CODEX ALIMENTARIUS: FATS, OILS & RELATED PRODUCTS, VOL. 8 (2nd ed., Food & Agriculture Org. United Nations, Rome, Italy, 2001).

“Plant part” includes plant cells, plant organs, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue cultures from which plants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant clumps, and plant cells that are intact in plants or parts of plants such as embryos, pollen, ovules, seeds, pods, leaves, flowers, branches, fruit, stalks, roots, root tips, anthers, cotyledons, hypocotyls, radicles, single cells, gametes, cell cultures, tissue cultures, and the like. A cotyledon is a type of seed leaf; a small leaf contained on a plant embryo. A cotyledon contains the food storage tissues of the seed. The embryo is a small plant contained within a mature seed. “Plant cells” also encompasses non-regenerable plant cells. Progeny, derivatives, variants, and mutants of regenerated plants are also included within the scope of the present embodiments, provided that these parts comprise event NS-B50027-4 nucleic acid molecules. The present embodiments are also directed to the use of elite event NS-B50027-4 transgenes in plant cell culture and tissue culture. The embodiments include plants and plant parts from the elite event NS-B50027-4 line, as well as other plants produced by the described methods.

“Allele” is any of one or more alternative forms of a gene which relate to one trait or characteristic. In a diploid cell or organism, the two alleles of a given gene occupy corresponding loci on a pair of homologous chromosomes.

A “locus” confers one or more traits such as, for example, modified fatty acid metabolism, modified phytic acid metabolism, modified carbohydrate metabolism, male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, disease resistance, or modified protein metabolism. The trait may be, for example, conferred by a naturally occurring gene introduced into the genome of the line by backcrossing, a natural or induced mutation, or a transgene introduced through genetic transformation techniques. A locus may comprise one or more alleles integrated at a single chromosomal location. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) refer to genetic loci that control, to at least some degree, numerically representable traits that are usually continuously distributed.

An “event” is an artificial genetic locus that, as a result of genetic manipulation, carries a foreign DNA comprising at least one copy of the genes of interest. The typical allelic states of an event are the presence or absence of the foreign DNA. An event may be characterized phenotypically by the expression of one or more transgenes. At the genetic level, an event is part of the genetic makeup of a plant. At the molecular level, an event is characterized by the restriction map (e.g., as determined by Southern blotting) or by the upstream or downstream flanking sequences of the transgene, or the molecular configuration of the transgene. Usually transformation of plant cells or plant parts with a transforming DNA leads to a multitude of events, each of which is unique.

The term “gene” refers to a DNA molecule typically comprising several operably linked DNA regions, such as a promoter and a 5′ untranslated region (5′UTR or 5′ non-coding sequences) which together form the promoter region; a coding region (which may or may not code for a protein); and an untranslated 3′ region (3′UTR or 3′ noncoding sequences) comprising a polyadenylation site. Typically in plant cells, the 5′UTR, coding, and 3′UTR regions are transcribed into an RNA molecule which, in the case of a protein-encoding gene, is translated into protein. “Coding sequence” thus refers to the sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule providing codons that translate a specific sequence of amino acids. A gene may include additional DNA regions such as, for example, introns. “Genotype” refers to the genetic constitution of a cell or organism. A “genetic locus” is generally the position of a given gene in the genome of a plant.

The term “transgene” refers to a gene of interest as incorporated in the genome of a plant. Accordingly, a “transgenic plant” comprises at least one transgene in the genome of all of its cells. The transgenes of the present embodiments comprise at least one copy of a gene of interest, more specifically at least one copy of: Δ4-desaturase derived from Pavlova salina, Δ5-desaturase derived from the marine microalga Pavlova salina, Δ5-elongase derived from the micro alga Pyramimonas cordata, Δ6-desaturase derived from the micro alga Micromonas pusilla, Δ6-elongase derived from Pyramimonas cordata, Δ12-desaturase from the yeast Lachancea kluyveri, and Δ15/ω3-desaturase derived from the yeast Pichia pastoris; and at least one additional copy of Δ6-desaturase derived from the micro alga Micromonas pusilla, Δ5-elongase derived from Pyramimonas cordata, Δ5-desaturase derived from the marine microalga Pavlova salina, and Δ15/ω3-desaturase derived from the yeast Pichia pastoris. The transgenes are arranged in a binary fashion in expression cassettes that include the appropriate regulatory regions. The transgenes described above are artificial in that they have been designed using codon optimization strategy, and thus the transgenes do not otherwise exist in nature. The transgenic expression cassette may include at least one matrix attachment region (MAR) from Nicotiana tabacum. The transgene cassette may also include a selectable marker gene. See U.S. Pat. No. 8,816,111.

“Foreign” or “heterologous” when referring to a gene or a DNA molecule with respect to a plant species, indicates that the gene or DNA molecule, or a portion thereof (e.g., a particular region), is not naturally found in that plant species, or is not naturally found in that genetic locus in that plant species. The term “foreign DNA” also refers to a DNA molecule that will or has been incorporated into the genome of a plant as a result of transformation. In the context of this disclosure, a transgene, transgenic cassette, or transgenic expression cassette comprises at least one foreign or heterologous DNA.

The term “chimeric” when referring to a gene or DNA molecule is used to indicate that the gene or DNA molecule comprises at least two functionally relevant DNA regions (such as promoter, 5′UTR, coding region, 3′UTR, intron) that are not naturally associated with each other, and originate from different sources such that at least one DNA region is foreign to another DNA region in the chimeric molecule.

The terms “plasmid”, “vector” and refer to an extra chromosomal element often carrying genes that are not part of the central metabolism of the cell, and usually in the form of circular double-stranded DNA fragments. Such elements may be autonomously replicating sequences, genome integrating sequences, phage or nucleotide sequences, linear or circular, of a single- or double-stranded DNA or RNA, derived from any source, in which a number of nucleotide sequences have been joined or recombined into a unique construction which is capable of introducing a promoter fragment and DNA sequence for a selected gene product along with appropriate 3′ untranslated sequence into a cell. In relation to transgenic plants, such plasmids or vectors may contain regions of T-DNA to facilitate insertion to transgene(s) into the plant genome.

“Expression cassette” refers to a genetic construct containing a transgene and having elements in addition to the foreign gene that allow for expression of that gene in a foreign host; and may refer to the cassette before and after insertion into the genome of the plant. In other words, a transgenic insert comprises an expression cassette.

The “transforming DNA” refers to a recombinant DNA molecule used for transformation, e.g., an expression vector. The transforming DNA usually comprises at least one “gene of interest” (e.g., a chimeric gene) that is capable of conferring one or more specific characteristics to the transformed plant.

“Transformation” refers to the transfer of a nucleic acid molecule into a host organism, resulting in genetically stable inheritance. The nucleic acid molecule may be a plasmid that replicates autonomously, for example, or, it may integrate into the genome of the host organism. Host organisms containing the transformed nucleic acid fragments are referred to as “transgenic” or “recombinant” or “transformed” organisms.

The term “recombinant DNA molecule” is used to exemplify and thus can include an isolated nucleic acid molecule that can be DNA and that can be obtained through recombinant or other procedures such as synthetic DNA synthesis or PCR. PCR (polymerase chain reaction) is a reaction in which replicate copies of a target polynucleotide are made using primers consisting of “upstream” and a “downstream” primer, and a catalyst of polymerization, such as a DNA polymerase, and typically a thermally-stable polymerase enzyme. Methods for PCR are known in the art. See, e.g., PCR (McPherson & Moller, eds., BIOS Sci. Publ. Ltd., Oxford, 2000). PCR can be performed on genomic DNA or cDNA.

“Insert DNA” refers to the heterologous DNA introduced to plant material via the transformation process and includes DNA which differs from the original DNA used for such transformation as explained herein. Insert DNA is typically a transgenic expression cassette. “Elite event NS-B50027-4 insert nucleic acid” and event “NS-B50027-4 insert DNA” refer to a nucleic acid molecule characterized as consisting of the sequence of nucleotides 2090 to 14201 of SEQ ID NO:1, or a complement thereof; and a nucleic acid molecule characterized as comprising the sequence of nucleotides positions 987 to 1894 of SEQ ID NO:2, or 1 to 910 of SEQ ID NO:3, or complements thereof.

“Suitable regulatory sequences” refer to nucleotide sequences located upstream (e.g., 5′UTR), within, or downstream (3′UTR) of a coding sequence; which influence the transcription, RNA processing or stability, or translation of the associated coding sequence. Regulatory sequences may include promoters, enhancer elements, translation leader sequences, introns, polyadenylation recognition sequences, RNA processing sites, effector binding sites, and stem-loop structures.

“Promoter” refers to a DNA sequence capable of controlling the expression of a coding sequence or functional RNA. In general, a coding sequence is located 3′ to a promoter sequence. Promoters may be derived in their entirety from a native gene, or be composed of different elements derived from different promoters found in nature, or even comprise synthetic DNA segments. It is understood by those skilled in the art that different promoters may direct the expression of a gene in different tissues or cell types, or at different stages of development, or in response to different environmental or physiological conditions. Promoters that cause a gene to be expressed in most cell types at most times are commonly referred to as “constitutive promoters”. It is further recognized that since in most cases the exact boundaries of regulatory sequences have not been completely defined, DNA fragments of different lengths may have identical promoter activity.

The terms “3′ non-coding sequences” and “transcription terminator” refer to DNA sequences located downstream of a coding sequence. This includes polyadenylation recognition sequences and other sequences encoding regulatory signals capable of affecting mRNA processing or gene expression. The polyadenylation signal is usually characterized by affecting the addition of polyadenylic acid tracts to the 3′ end of the mRNA precursor. The 3′ region can influence the transcription, RNA processing or stability, or translation of the associated coding sequence.

The term “operably linked” refers to the association of nucleic acid sequences on a single nucleic acid fragment so that the function of one is affected by the other. For example, a promoter is operably linked with a coding sequence when it is capable of affecting the expression of that coding sequence (i.e., the coding sequence is under the transcriptional control of the promoter). Coding sequences can be operably linked to regulatory sequences in sense or antisense orientation.

The term “expression”, as used herein, refers to the transcription and stable accumulation of sense (mRNA) derived from the nucleic acids of the invention. Expression may also refer to translation of mRNA into a polypeptide.

Reference to a cell includes a plant cell, whether isolated, in tissue culture, or incorporated in a plant or plant part, unless otherwise stated or clear from context.

“Progeny” means all descendants including offspring and derivatives of a plant or plants and includes the first, second, third, and subsequent generations; and may be produced by self-pollination or crossing with plants with the same or different genotypes, and may be modified by a range of suitable genetic engineering techniques. Cultigen generally relates to plants that have been deliberately altered and selected by human. “T0” refers to the first generation of transformed plant material, “T1” refers to the seed produced on T0 plants, T1 seed gives rise to plants that produce T2 seed, etc., to subsequent Tx progeny.

“Breeding” includes all methods of developing or propagating plants and includes both intra- and inter-species and intra- and inter-line crosses as well as all suitable conventional breeding and artificial breeding techniques. Desired traits (e.g., NS-B50027-4 DHA trait) may be transferred to other canola or B. napus lines, cultivars, or cultigens; or through conventional breeding methods and can also be transferred to other Brassica species, such as B. juncea and B. rapa through inter-specific crossing. Conventional breeding methods and inter-specific crossing methods, as well as other methods of transferring genetic material between plants, are well-known in the art.

“Backcrossing” is a process in which a breeder repeatedly crosses hybrid progeny back to a parental line, for example, a first generation hybrid F1 with one of the parental genotypes of the F1 hybrid.

“Fatty acid composition” or “fatty acid content” generally refer to percentages by weight of various fatty acids present in the endogenously formed oil of the mature, whole, partially dried seeds. The common industry practice is to report fatty acid composition as area percentage (area normalized), rather than absolute quantities. Area percentage is easy to calculate and readily compared with the results of the many others in the industry who report the same way. Area percentage is not the same as absolute weight percentage, but approximates it. Absolute results can be calculated using individual reference standards of known concentration and an internal standard to calculate results on a mg/kg basis. It is also possible to use correction factors to calculate masses of fatty acids without the use of individual fatty acid standards, although an internal standard may still be needed. Commonly, fatty acid content is determined by crushing seed and extracting fatty acids as fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) which can be analyzed for fatty acid content by a variety of techniques that generate data as area percent or from which area percent can be derived. Example analytical approaches include gas chromatography (GC), GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), or near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Total lipid may be separated by techniques known in the art to purify fractions, for example, such as the TAG fraction. Other methods of characterizing fatty acid compositions are known to those skilled in the art. See, e.g., Tinoco et al., 3 Anal. Biochem. 514 (1962); CANOLA: CHEMISTRY, PRODUCTION, PROCESSING & UTILIZATION (Daun et al., eds., AOCS Press, Urbana, Ill., 2011) (Daun et al., 2011); US 2015/0166928; US 20160002566.

Similarly, “oil content” is the typical percentage by weight oil present in the mature, whole, partially dried seeds (typically containing about 6% or 7% moisture). Percent oil is calculated as the weight of the oil divided by the weight of the seed at 0% moisture. Oil content can be characteristic of different varieties. It can be determined using various analytical techniques such as NMR (MQC, Oxford Instruments), NIR, and Soxhlet extraction. For example, canola oil content can be measured by nuclear magnetic resonance techniques (Rossell & Pritchar, ANALYSIS OF OILSEEDS, FATS & FATTY FOODS 48-53 (Elsevier Sci. Pub. Ltd, London, 1991), by a pulsed wave NMS 100 Minispec (Balker Pty Ltd Scientific Instruments, Germany), which simultaneously measures moisture content. Seed oil content can also be measured by near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy. Li et al. 67 Phytochem. 904 (2006).

The phrases “extracted plant lipid,” “isolated plant lipid,” “extracted lipid,” and the like, refer to compositions comprising lipids that have been extracted from, for example, crushed plant or plant parts, such as seed. The extracted lipid can be a relatively crude composition obtained by, for example, crushing a plant material, such as seed; or a more purified composition in which most, if not all, of the water, nucleic acids, proteins, or carbohydrates derived from the plant material have been removed from the oil. Examples of purification methods are known in the art. In some embodiments, the extracted or isolated plant lipid comprises at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95% (w/w) lipid by weight of the composition. The extracted lipid may be solid or liquid at room temperature, the latter being considered “oil.” In some embodiments, extracted lipid has not been blended with another lipid, such as DHA, produced by another source (e.g., DHA from fish oil). In some embodiments, following extraction the ratio of oleic acid to DHA, palmitic acid to DHA, linoleic acid to DHA, or total ω6 fatty acids to total ω3 fatty acids has not been altered significantly (for example, no greater than a 10% or 5% alteration) compared with the ratio in the intact seed or cell. In other words, the extracted lipid has not been enriched for a particular fatty acid, e.g., DHA. In other embodiments, the extracted plant lipid has not been exposed to a procedure, such as hydrogenation or fractionation, which alters the ratio of oleic acid to DHA, palmitic acid to DHA, linoleic acid to DHA, or total ω6 fatty acids to total ω3 fatty acids, when compared with the ratio in the intact seed or cell. In other words, the extracted lipid has not been enriched for a particular fatty acid, e.g., DHA. When the extracted plant lipid of the present embodiments is oil, the oil may further comprise non-fatty acid molecules such as sterols.

As noted above, the phrases “extracted plant oil” and “isolated plant oil” refer to compositions comprising extracted plant lipid or isolated plant lipid that is a liquid at room temperature. The oil is obtained from a plant or part thereof, such as seed. The extracted or isolated oil can be a relatively crude composition obtained by, for example, crushing a plant seed; or a more purified composition where most, if not all, of the water, nucleic acids, proteins, or carbohydrates derived from the plant material has been removed from the oil. The composition may comprise other components which may be lipid or non-lipid, e.g., non-fatty acid molecules such as sterols. In an embodiment, the oil composition comprises at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95% (w/w) extracted plant lipid. In an embodiment, extracted oil of the invention has not been blended with another oil or fatty acid, such as DHA produced by another source (e.g., DHA from fish oil). In one embodiment, following extraction, the ratios of fatty acids have not been altered significantly (for example, no greater than a 10% or 5% alteration) compared with the ratio in the intact seed or cell; nor has the extracted plant oil been exposed to a procedure, such as hydrogenation or fractionation, that significantly alters the ratio of fatty acids in the extract compared with the ratios in the intact seed or cell. In other words, the extracted oil has not been enriched for a particular fatty acid, e.g., DHA.

As used herein, “oil” is a composition comprising predominantly lipid and which is a liquid at room temperature. For instance, oil of the invention preferably comprises at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85% or at least 90% lipid by weight. Typically, purified plant oil comprises at least 90% triacylglycerols (TAG) by weight of the lipid in the oil. Minor components of oil, such as diacylglycerols (DAG), free fatty acids (FFA), phospholipid, or sterols, may be present in oil.

As used herein, the term “fatty acid” refers to a carboxylic acid often with a long aliphatic tail, either saturated or unsaturated. Typically, fatty acids have a carbon-carbon bonded chain of at least eight carbon atoms in length, for example at least 12 carbons, 16 carbons, 18 carbons, 20 carbons, or 22 carbons in length. Most naturally occurring fatty acids have an even number of carbon atoms because their biosynthesis involves acetate which has two carbon atoms. The fatty acids may be in a free state (non-esterified); in an esterified form such as part of a triglyceride (TAG), diacylglyceride (DAG), monoacylglyceride; or be acyl-CoA (thio-ester)-bound or in another bound form. The fatty acid may be esterified as a phospholipid, such as a phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, or diphosphatidylglycerol.

“Saturated fatty acids” do not contain carbon-carbon double bonds (alkenes) or other functional groups along the chain. “Saturated” refers to the presence of hydrogen at all possible carbons (apart from the carboxylic acid [—COOH] group). In other words, in a saturated fatty acid the omega (ω) end (also called the n-end) of the fatty acid contains three hydrogens (—CH₃), and each carbon within the chain contains two hydrogens (—CH₂—).

“Unsaturated fatty acids” share a similar backbone with saturated fatty acids, except they include at least one alkene group (—CH═CH—) in the carbon chain. The two flanking carbon atoms (bound to either side of the alkene group) can occur in a cis or trans configuration. “Monounsaturated fatty acids” refers to fatty acids that have at least twelve carbon atoms but only one alkene group in the carbon chain. “Polyunsaturated fatty acids” or “PUFAs” refer to fatty acids that have at least twelve carbon atoms and at least two alkene groups in the carbon chain. “Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids” and “LC-PUFAs” refer to fatty acids that have at least twenty carbon atoms in the carbon chain and have at least two alkene groups. “Very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids” and “VLC-PUFAs” refer to fatty acids that have at least twenty-two carbon atoms and at least three alkene groups in the carbon chain. A reference to LC-PUFA includes VLC-PUFA. Ordinarily, the number of carbon atoms in the carbon chain of fatty acids refers to an unbranched carbon chain. If the carbon chain is branched, the number of carbon atoms excludes those in side-groups.

In one embodiment, the LC-PUFA is an ω3 fatty acid: it has a desaturation (alkene group) at the third carbon-carbon bond from the methyl end of the fatty acid. In another embodiment, the LC-PUFA is an ω6 fatty acid: it has a desaturation (alkene group) in the sixth carbon-carbon bond from the methyl end of the fatty acid. The position of the alkene (double bond) in the fatty acid chain is also annotated using Δ (or delta), in which the position of the alkene is numbered with reference to the carboxylic end of the fatty acid. For example, linoleic acid can also be designated “cis-Δ9, cis-Δ12 octadecadienoic acid” or “Δ^(9,12) octadecadienoic acid.” Fatty acids can also be identified with reference to a “C:D” lipid number, in which C is the number of carbons and D is the number of double bonds in the carbon backbone. For example, arachidonic acid can be annotated 20:4Δ^(5,8,11,14) meaning a twenty-carbon chain with four alkene groups, located at carbons 5, 8, 11 and 14 from the carboxylic end of the fatty acid. This name also indicates that arachidonic acid is an ω6 fatty acid, because if there are twenty carbons and an alkene at C14 from the carboxylic end, the first alkene from the methyl end must be at C6.

In a further embodiment, the LC-PUFA is selected from the group consisting of; arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4Δ^(5,8,11,14); ω6), eicosatetraenoic acid (ETA, 20:4Δ^(8,11,14,17); ω3), eicosapentaenoic acid (ARA, 20:5Δ^(5,8,11,14,17); ω3), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5Δ^(7,10,13,16,19); ω3), or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6Δ4^(,7,10,13,16,19), ω3). The LC-PUFA may also be dihomo-γ-linoleic acid (DGLA) or eicosatrienoic acid (ETrA, 20:3Δ^(11,14,17); ω3). The LC-PUFA produced according to the present embodiments may be a mixture of any or all of the above, and may include other LC-PUFAs or derivatives of any of these LC-PUFAs. The LC-PUFAs produced in the elite event canola, however, is generally purer than that derived from fish oil. In at least one embodiment, the ω3 fatty acids are at least one of DHA; DPA and DHA; or EPA, DPA, and DHA.

Furthermore, as noted above a LC-PUFA and VLC-PUFA can be a free fatty acid (non-esterified), esterified, or in another bound form. Thus, the LC-PUFA of the present embodiments may be present as a mixture of forms in the lipid of a cell, extracted lipid, or purified oil. In at least one embodiment, the oil comprising at least 75% or at least 85% triacylglycerols, with the remainder present as other forms of lipid such as those mentioned, with the triacylglycerols comprising at least one LC-PUFA. The oil may subsequently be further purified or treated, for example by hydrolysis with a strong base to release the free fatty acids, or by distillation or the like.

Accordingly, “total ω3 fatty acids,” “total ω3 fatty acid content,” and the like, refers to the sum of all ω3 fatty acids, esterified and non-esterified, in extracted lipid, oil, recombinant cell, plant part or seed, as the context determines, typically expressed as a percentage of the total fatty acid content. These ω3 fatty acids include ALA, SDA, ETrA, ETA, EPA, DPA, or DHA, and exclude any ω6 fatty acids or monounsaturated fatty acids. “New ω3 fatty acids,” “new ω3 fatty acid content,” and the like, refers to the sum of all ω3 fatty acids excluding ALA, esterified and non-esterified, in the extracted lipid, oil, recombinant cell, plant part or seed, as the context determines, expressed as a percentage of the total fatty acid content. These new ω3 fatty acids are the fatty acids that are produced in the cells, plants, plant parts and seeds of the present embodiments by the expression of elite event transgenic constructs, and if present include SDA, ETrA, ETA, EPA, DPA, or DHA, but exclude ALA, any ω6 fatty acids, or monounsaturated fatty acids. Exemplary total ω3 fatty acid contents and new ω3 fatty acid contents can be determined by conversion of fatty acids in a sample to FAME and analysis by GC using methods known in the art. See, e.g., American Oilseed Chemists' Society (AOCS) method Celd-91.

Similarly, “total ω6 fatty acids,” “total ω6 fatty acid content,” and the like, refer to the sum of all the ω6 fatty acids, esterified and non-esterified, in the extracted lipid, oil, recombinant cell, plant part or seed, as the context determines, expressed as a percentage of the total fatty acid content. “Total ω6 fatty acids,” if present, may include LA, GLA, DGLA, ARA, EDA, or ω6-DPA, and excludes any ω3 fatty acids or monounsaturated fatty acids. “New ω6 fatty acids,” “new ω6 fatty acid content,” and the like, refers to the sum of all ω6 fatty acids excluding LA, esterified and non-esterified, in the extracted lipid, oil, recombinant cell, plant part or seed, as the context determines, expressed as a percentage of the total fatty acid content. These new ω6 fatty acids are the fatty acids that are produced in the cells, plants, plant parts, or seeds as described herein, through expression of the elite event transgenes, and may include GLA, DGLA, ARA, EDA, or ω6-DPA, but exclude LA, any ω3 fatty acids, or monounsaturated fatty acids.

“Half-seed analysis” is a procedure whereby fatty acid analysis is carried out on one of the two cotyledons (half-seed) and the remaining seedling carrying the second cotyledon forms a plant.

“Protein content” is the typical percentage by weight of protein in the oil free meal of the mature whole dried seeds is determined by methods known in the art. See, e.g., Daun et al., 2011; AOCS Official Meth. Ba 4e-93 Combustion Meth. Determination Crude Protein.

Mature seed produced by commercial growers for purposes other than growing or reproducing the species is sometimes referred to as “grain.”

Genetic Events

The phenotypic expression of transgenes in canola is determined both by the structure of the transgene cassette itself and by its insert location in the plant genome: the presence of transgenes at particular locations in the plant genome may influence the expression of the transgene and the overall phenotype of the plant. The agronomically or industrially successful introduction of a commercially interesting trait in a plant by genetic manipulation can be a lengthy procedure dependent on different factors. The actual transformation and regeneration of genetically transformed plants are only the first in a series of selection steps, which include extensive genetic characterization, breeding, and evaluation in field trials, eventually leading to the selection of an elite event.

An aspect of the present embodiments involves the surprising number of copies of expressible transgenes in a plant genome. “Expressible” means that the primary structure of the DNA molecule, i.e., the coding sequence of the transgene, indicates that the gene encodes an active protein. Expressible coding sequences may not be expressed, however, because ‘gene silencing’ occurs via various mechanisms of homologous transgene inactivation in vivo. Homologous transgene inactivation has been described in plants in which a transgene has been inserted in the sense orientation, with the unexpected result that both the gene and the transgene were down-regulated. Napoli et al., 2 Plant Cell 279 (1990). Possible mechanisms for inactivation of homologous genetic sequences include transcriptional inactivation via methylation, in which duplicated DNA regions signal endogenous mechanisms for gene silencing, and post-transcriptional silencing, in which the combined levels of mRNA from both the endogenous gene and transgene trigger threshold-induced degradation of both messages. van Bokland et al., 6 Plant J. 861 (1994). Surprisingly, however, although there are at least three copies of several transgenes in NS-B50027-4, some of which are disposed in the same orientation, NS-B50027-4 exhibits synergistic DHA expression.

An elite genetic event can be characterized by the location(s) and the configuration at the site(s) of incorporation of the recombinant DNA molecule(s) in the plant genome. The site in the plant genome where a recombinant DNA cassette has been inserted is also referred to as the “insertion site” or “target site.” A “flanking region” or “flanking sequence” is a region of DNA, for example, at least 20 base pairs, at least 50 base pairs, or up to 5,000 base pairs of the plant genome located either immediately upstream of and contiguous with, or immediately downstream of and contiguous with, the transgenic cassette. Transformation that leads to random integration of the foreign DNA results in transformants with different flanking regions, which are characteristic and unique for each transformant (elite event).

Generally, when the transgene is introduced into a plant through traditional crossing, its insertion site in the plant genome and its flanking regions are not changed. An “insertion region” refers to the region corresponding to a region of at least 40 base pairs, such as at least 100 base pairs, or up to more than 10,000 base pairs, encompassed by the upstream and the downstream flanking regions of a transgene in the (untransformed) plant genome and including the insertion site (and possible target site deletion). Taking into consideration minor differences due to mutations within a species, an insertion region may retain at least 85%, such as 90%, 95%, or 100% sequence identity with the upstream and downstream flanking regions of the foreign DNA in a given plant of that species. Insertion of the transgenic cassette into the plant genome can sometimes be associated, however, with deletion of plant DNA, referred to as “target site deletion.”

Expression of genes of interest refers to the fact that the transgenes confer on the plant one or more phenotypic traits (e.g., production of LC-ω3 fatty acids) that were intended to be conferred by the introduction of the transforming DNA (on the basis of the structure and function of some or all of the genes of interest). In the present embodiments, several transgenes provide the biosynthetic pathway for the production of LC-ω3 fatty acids in the transformed plant.

An “elite event,” as used herein, is an event selected from a group of events, obtained by transformation with the same transforming DNA or by back-crossing with plants obtained by such transformation, based on the expression and stability of the transgene construct(s), its compatibility with optimal agronomic characteristics of the plant comprising it, and realization of the desired phenotypic trait. Thus, the criteria for elite event selection are at least one, and advantageously all, of the following:

-   -   (a) the presence of the transgene does not unduly compromise         other desired characteristics of the plant, such as those         relating to agronomic performance or commercial value;     -   (b) the event is characterized by a well-defined molecular         configuration that is stably inherited and for which appropriate         diagnostic tools for identity control can be developed;     -   (c) the genes of interest in the transgene cassette show a         correct, appropriate and stable spatial and temporal phenotypic         expression, both in heterozygous (or hemizygous) and homozygous         condition of the event, at a commercially acceptable level in a         range of environmental conditions in which the plants carrying         the event are likely to be exposed in normal agronomic use. The         foreign DNA may also be associated with a position in the plant         genome that allows introgression into further desired commercial         genetic backgrounds.

The status of an event as an elite event may be confirmed by introgression of the elite event in different relevant genetic backgrounds and observing compliance with at least one of the criteria, e.g., (a), (b) and (c) above. Additionally, selection of the elite events may also be determined on the compatibility, more specifically that the progeny resulting from a cross between a plant carrying elite event NS-B50027-4 and a plant carrying at least one other event, such that progeny carry both events. Accordingly, an “elite event” refers to a genetic locus comprising a transgenic cassette that answers to the above-described criteria. A plant, seeds, plant material or progeny can comprise one or more elite events in its genome.

Elite event NS-B50027-4 was selected as an elite event in the development of canola that produces LC-PUFA, particularly LC-ω3 fatty acids, and more particularly DHA. The incorporation of a recombinant DNA molecule in the plant genome typically results from transformation of a cell or tissue (or from another genetic manipulation). The particular site(s) of incorporation may be a matter of chance or predetermined (if a process of targeted integration is used). Canola line NS-B50027-4 is a stable and uniform breeding line, as described herein. It has been bred with careful attention to uniformity of plant type. The line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. Canola line NS-B50027-4 is not a parent of any other canola cultivar commercialized at the time of the patent filing for line NS-B50027-4.

The advent of new molecular biological techniques has allowed the isolation and characterization of genetic elements with specific functions, such as encoding specific protein products. Scientists in the field of plant biology developed a strong interest in engineering the genome of plants to contain and express foreign genetic elements, or additional, or modified versions of native or endogenous genetic elements in order to alter the traits of a plant in a specific manner. Any DNA molecules, whether from a different species or from the same species, that are inserted into the genome of the species using transformation are referred to herein collectively as “transgenes”. The process of “transforming” is the insertion of DNA into the genome. Several methods for producing transgenic plants have been developed, and the present invention, in particular embodiments, also relates to transformed versions of the claimed canola line NS-B50027-4.

Numerous methods for plant transformation have been developed, including biological and physical, plant transformation protocols. In addition, expression vectors and in vitro culture methods for plant cell or tissue transformation and regeneration of plants are available. See, e.g., Miki et al., Procedures for introducing foreign DNA into plants, in METH. PLANT MOLEC. BIOL. & BIOTECHNOL. at 63 (Glick & Thompson, eds., CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1993); Gruber et al., Vectors for plant transformation, id. at R 89; Genetic transformation for the improvement of Canola, PROC. WORLD CONF. BIOTECHNOL. FATS & OILS INDUS. at 43-46 (Am. Oil. Chem. Soc., Champaign, Ill., 1988).

The most prevalent types of plant transformation involve the construction of an expression vector. Such a vector comprises a DNA molecule that contains a coding region under the control of or operatively linked to a regulatory region, for example a promoter. The vector may contain one or more genes and one or more regulatory elements. At least one of the coding regions and their respective regulatory elements can be arranged in opposite orientation within the vector, providing a binary vector. In theory, arrangement of genes susceptible to gene silencing in binary fashion may minimize gene silencing.

For example, an initial transformation cassette, pJP3416_GA7-modB, included seven genes capable of promoting the accumulation of omega-3 fatty acids in canola seed, and one selectable marker gene to facilitate the selection of putative transgenic plants in vitro. See WO 2013/185184; U.S. Patent Publ'n No. 2015/0374654; U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,816,111 and 8,946,460; Petrie et al., 6 Plant Meth. 8 (2010).

The expressed genes were all synthetic—codon optimized and synthesized—hence the transgenic DNA molecules are not found in any natural organisms. The original sequences that were used as a template for codon optimization have been described. See Petrie et al., 12 Metab. Eng'g 233 (2010a); Petrie et al., 11 Plant Methods 6 (2010b); Petrie et al., 21 Transgenic Res. 139 (2012).

As is well-known in the art, functional gene promoters are regions of DNA that are important for gene transcription, but do not encode functional products such as peptides. For example, a common promoter for constitutive expression is derived from Cauliflower Mosaic Virus. Kay et al., 236 Science 1299 (1987); Coutu et al., 16 Transgenic Res. 771 (2007). Terminator regions, which include polyadenylation signals, are required for the production of complete and stable mRNA molecules. For example, the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase (NOS) terminator provides a useful terminator. Bevan, 12 Nucl. Acid Res.8711 (1984); Rogers et al., in BIOTECHNOL. PLANT SCI. at 219 (Acad. Press, Inc., New York, NY, 1985); Sanders et al., 15 Nucl. Acids Res. 1543 (1987). A range of regulatory sequences were used in combination to drive and terminate transcription the various expression cassettes. The seed-specific promoters used in GA7-modB have been described previously: A. thaliana FAE1 (Rossack et al., 46 Plant Molec. Biol. 717 (2001)); L. usitatissimum Cnl1 and Cnl2 (Chaudhary et al., WO 2001/016340); and truncated B. napus napin promoter (Stalberg et al., 23 Plant Molec. Biol. 671 (1993)). See also U.S. Pat. No. 8,816,111.

A more detailed description of transgenes comprising open reading frames 5′ and 3′ regulatory regions and other non-coding regions of the transgenic expression cassettes used to introduce LC-PUFA pathways into canola are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Genetic elements in Elite Event NS-B50027-4 Promoter (PRO) Coding sequence (CDS) Termination (TER) Name Source Name Source Name Source MAR PRO Linum CDS Δ6-desaturase TER Linum — Linus- usitatissimum Micpu-d6D Micromonas Linus- usitatissimum Cnl2 conlinin2 pusilla Clnl2 conlinin2 promoter w/ terminator tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) 5′ UTR enhancer leader PRO Arabidopsis CDS Pyrco Δ5-elongase TER Glycine max — Arath- thaliana fatty acid delta-5 Pyramimonas Glyma- lectin terminator FAE1 elongase promoter elongase cordata Lectin TMV leader PRO Brassica napus CDS Δ5-desaturase TER Agrobacterium MAR Brana-FP1 napin promoter Pavsa-d5D Pavlova salina Agrtu- tumerfaciens Nicta- TMV leader NOS nopaline synthase RB7 terminator PRO L. usitatissimum CDS Δ15/ω3-desaturase TER L. usitatissimum — Linus- conlinin1 Picpa-w3D Pichia pastoris Linus- conlinin1 Cnl1 promoter Cnl1 terminator TMV leader PRO L. usitatissimum CDS Δ4-desaturase TER L. usitatissimum — Linus- conlinin2 Pavsa-d4D Pavlova salina Linus- conlinin2 Cnl2 promoter Cnl2 terminator PRO L. usitatissimum CDS Δ12-desaturase TER L. usitatissimum MAR Linus- conlinin1 Lackl- Lachancea Linus- conlinin1 Nicta- Cnl1 promoter d12D kluyveri Cnl1 terminator RB7 PRO A. thaliana fatty CDS Pyrco Δ6-elongase TER G. max — Arath- acid elongase delta-6 Pyramimonas Glyma- lectin terminator FAE1::EN- promoter elongase cordata Lectin HANCER TMV leader TMV Leader PRO Cauliflower CDS Streptomyces TER A. tumefaciens — 35S × 2 Mosaic Virus phosphino- viridochro- Agrtu- nopaline synthase thricin mogenes NOS terminator N-acetyl transferase

Accordingly, to determine whether a biological sample comprises at least part of the LC-PUFA pathway as present in NS-B50027-4 primers and probes can be used to detect transgenes. Particular primers useful for detecting transgenes are shown in Table 2, in which each primer has an annealing temperature of 62, and the size (bp) refers to the number of base pairs in the PCR product.

TABLE 2 Example PCR primer sets for the detection of expression cassette genes Target gene sense primer antisense primer Δ12 TGGAGCTATCCCTCATGA GATCCTAGAACAGTAGTG desaturase GT (SEQ ID NO: 53) GTG (SEQ ID NO: 54) Δ15/ω3 GACGCTATCCCTAAGCAC GTCCACTCTTGAGCATCG desaturase TGT (SEQ ID NO: 55) TA (SEQ ID NO: 56) Δ6 GAGCACCTTGTAGTTGAG AGTCTGAGGATGCTCCTA desaturase TCC (SEQ ID NO: 57) TGC (SEQ ID NO: 58) Δ6 TGTTGCTATGGCTCAAGA CTAGCGTGGTGCTTCATG Elongase GC (SEQ ID NO: 59) TA (SEQ ID NO: 60) Δ5 GCTACCGATGCTTACAAG TAGTGAAGTCCGTGCTTC desaturase CA (SEQ ID NO: 61) TC (SEQ ID NO: 62) Δ5 TGCTGGAACTCTTGGATA CTGGGTGATGTACTTCTT elongase CG (SEQ ID NO: 63) CC (SEQ ID NO: 64) Δ4 GGCTTTCAGATCTGAGCA CTCAGCCTTAACAAGAGG desaturase TC (SEQ ID NO: 65) AG (SEQ ID NO: 66)

Initial transformants cultivated from Brassica napus L. (var. AV Jade) germline exhibited a wide variation in levels of fatty acid production, particularly in EPA and DHA levels. For the second and third generations, selection was based primarily on DHA and EPA content of transgenic seeds. In some cases, particularly T2 or T3 generations, segregation patterns (determined by growing twenty to forty individual seeds from one plant to twenty to forty offspring, and then measuring the DHA and EPA content of the individual seeds of those offspring) also exhibited scattered results, indicating complex or multi-copy insertions had occurred. Many of the initial T2 or T3 generations of plants were thus discarded. Initially, it was concluded that multiple copies of the transgenic insert would yield unstable transformants, and also exhibit classic gene silencing seen in homozygous genotypes. Therefore, if PCR analysis of transformed plants indicated copy number >1, those transformants were often discarded.

Surprisingly, elite event NS-B50027-4 was found to contain a multi-copy event: a sixteen-gene insertion including two eight-gene-T-DNA-bordered cassettes arranged in binary (inverted) left-border-to-left-border fashion (analogous to a massive palindrome); and a separate, smaller four-gene cassette; and this combination of transgene inserts act synergistically in the production of DHA in inbred line NS-B50027-4. More specifically, a combination of crossing, backcrossing, and self-crossing segregated the sixteen-gene insert to chromosome A05 (also called N05), and the four-gene insert to chromosome A02 (also called N02). The contribution of each transgenic chromosome was determined by breeding each segregant to obtain pure homozygous lines of each event. For example, in one experiment the segregant comprising the sixteen-gene insert produced about 4% DHA; and segregant comprising the four-gene insert produced no DHA; but when the segregants were bred to combine the transgenic chromosome A02 locus and transgenic chromosome A05 locus, the combination of the two transgenic inserts provided a plant that produced at least about 7% DHA to at least about 14% DHA, inclusive, in its seed. This result was unexpected. As noted, despite the unusual genetic makeup of elite event NS-B50027-4, the line has proved stable and consistent in fatty acid production.

Regarding the smaller, four-gene insert located on A02, this insert replaced about 15 bp of the 3′ UTR region of a gene of unknown function (HPP gene). The partial insert and its flanking B. napus sequences are well-characterized herein. The four-gene insert includes the Δ6-desaturase, Δ5-elongase, Δ5-desaturase, and Δ15/ω3-desaturase transgenes; but does not include the Δ4-desaturase, Δ12-desaturase, Δ6-elongase genes, nor the genetic selection marker PAT. Because Δ4-desaturase is required for DHA production in the plant seed cell, it was unexpected and surprising that the four-gene insert contributed synergistically to the production of DHA in transgenic line NS-B50027-4. The four-gene insert and its flanking B. napus regions on A02 are shown in FIG. 5 (SEQ ID NO:40). In particular, nucleotides 1 to 2089 of SEQ ID NO:40 are a 5′ (upstream) flanking region of the insertion site of the small insert; nucleotides 2090 to 14201 of SEQ ID NO:40 provides the heterologous nucleic acid from the transgenic cassette; and nucleotides 14202 to 15006 of SEQ ID NO:40 are a 808 bp 3′ (downstream) region of the insertion site. Nucleotides 1 to 2089 and 14202 to15006 of SEQ ID NO:40 are native to the B. napus chromosome A02. Genetic analysis comparing the native B. napus sequence and the insertion site revealed an insertion deletion: the transgene insert replaced a 15-bp-fragment (GTAGCACGACAAGTT; SEQ ID NO:38) that would otherwise be located on chrUn_random of B. napus cultivar Darmor reference (2n=AACC) at position 118589927-118589941, and on chromosome A02 of a reference genome from B. rapa cultivar Chiifu (2n=AA) at position 18569316-18569330. See Chalhoub et al., 345 Sci. 950 (2014); NCBI Ref. Seq. NC_024796.1; Wang et al., 43 Nat. Genet. 1035 (2011); NCBI Ref. Seq. XM_009130638.

The sixteen-gene insert was confirmed to be located in a Brassica gene encoding the Pto-interacting protein (PTI), a serine-threonine kinase that would otherwise be involved in hypersensitive response-mediated signaling. The PTI gene is located on chromosome A05 of reference genome B. napus (cultivar Darmor), at position 17267746-17270700. This larger insert is also associated with an insertion deletion, having replaced a 20-bp stretch of DNA (CACGGTGGAGGTCACCATGT; SEQ ID NO:39) in the second exon of the PTI protein; and thereby disrupted expression of PTI. This 20-bp deletion was located on chromosome A05 of the reference genome at position 17269790-17269809. The DNA sequence of the sixteen-gene insert and its flanking B. napus regions on A05 is shown in FIG. 6 (SEQ ID NO:41). In particular, nucleotides 1 to 1159 of SEQ ID NO:41 are a 5′ (upstream) flanking region of the insertion site of the large insert; nucleotides 47774 to 49789 of SEQ ID NO:41 are a 3′ (downstream) flanking region of the insertion site. Nucleotides 1 to 1159 of SEQ ID NO:41 and 47774 to 49789 of SEQ ID NO:41 of are native to the Brassica napus chromosome A05.

Accordingly, another embodiment provides a DNA molecule comprising an artificial, binary genetic locus comprising, in order, the following nucleotide sequences (arrows indicate direction of transcription in relation to referenced 5′ to 3′ DNA sequence):

-   -   (a) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 2747         to nucleotide 6250 (Micpu-d6D←including PRO, leader, TER);     -   (b) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 6257         to nucleotide 8414 (→Pyrco-d5E including PRO, leader, TER);     -   (c) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 8415         to nucleotide 10374 (→Pavsa-d5D including PRO, leader, TER);     -   (d) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide         10375 to nucleotide 11544 (→MAR); and     -   (e) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide         11545 to nucleotide 14049 (Picpa-w3/d15D←including PRO, leader,         TER);     -   (f) a molecule with at least 80%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5%,         sequence identity to the nucleotide sequences (a) through (e);         or     -   (g) complements thereof.         A related embodiment provides plant cells, plant materials, or         plant seeds comprising this artificial binary genetic locus.

Another embodiment provides a DNA molecule comprising an artificial binary genetic locus comprising, in order, the following nucleotide sequences:

-   -   (a) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 1268         to nucleotide 5317 (Cnl2 PRO thru leader thru coding region for         Micpu-d6D←thru TER);     -   (b) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 5324         to nucleotide 7481 (PRO thru→Pyrco-d5E thru TER);     -   (c) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 7482         to nucleotide 9443 (PRO thru leader and →Pavsa-d5D thru TER);     -   (d) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 9444         to nucleotide 10611 (→MAR);     -   (e) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         10612 to nucleotide 13116 (PRO thru leader and         Picpa-w3/d15D←thru TER);     -   (f) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         13117 to nucleotide 17000 (PRO thru→Pavsa d4D thru TER);     -   (g) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         17001 to nucleotide 19606 (PRO thru→Lack-d12D thru TER);     -   (h) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         19607 to nucleotide 29773 (→MAR);     -   (i) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         20783 to nucleotide 22987 (PRO thru→Pyrco-d6E thru TER);     -   (j) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         23011 to 24370 (PRO thru→PAT thru TER);     -   (k) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         42561 to nucleotide 25920 (PRO thru PAT←thru TER);     -   (l) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         25943 to nucleot-ide 29324 (PRO thru Pyrco-d6E←thru TER);     -   (m) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         28157 to nucleotide 29324 (MAR←);     -   (n) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         29324 to nucleotide 31830 (PRO thru Lack-d12D←thru TER);     -   (p) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         31831 to nucleotide 35816 (PRO thru Pavsa d4D←thru TER);     -   (q) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         35817 to nucleotide 38319 (PRO thru leader and →Picpa-w3/d15D         thru TER);     -   (r) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         38320 to nucleotide 39488 (MAR←);     -   (s) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         39489 to nucleotide 41449 (PRO thru Pavsa-d5D←thru TER);     -   (t) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         41450 to nucleotide 43607 (PRO thru Pyrco-d5E←thru TER);     -   (u) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         43614 to nucleotide 47662 (PRO→Micpu-d6D thru TER);     -   (v) a molecule with at least 80%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5%,         sequence identity to the nucleotide sequences (a) through         (u), (a) through (j), (k) through (u); or     -   (w) complements thereof.         A related embodiment provides plant cells, materials, or seed         comprising this artificial binary genetic locus.

Another embodiment provides a DNA molecule comprising an artificial binary genetic locus comprising, in order, the following nucleotide sequences:

-   -   (a) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 2747         to nucleotide 4141 (Micpu-d6D←);     -   (b) the nucleotide sequence of the complement of the nucleotide         sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 7259 to nucleotide 8065         (→Pyrco-d5E);     -   (c) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide 8841         to nucleotide 10121 (→Pavsa-d5D);     -   (d) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:40 from nucleotide         12281 to nucleotide 13531 (Picpa-w3/d15D←);     -   (e) a molecule with at least 80%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5%,         sequence identity to the nucleotide sequences (a) through (d);         or     -   (f) complements thereof;         wherein the artificial locus includes regulatory regions (e.g.,         promoters, leader sequences, terminators) to provide expression         of (a) through (d) or (e) or (f). A related embodiment provides         plant cells, plant materials, or plant seeds comprising this         artificial binary genetic locus.

Another embodiment provides a DNA molecule comprising an artificial binary genetic locus comprising, in order, the following nucleotide sequences:

-   -   (a) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 1820         to nucleotide 3208 (Micpu-d6D←);     -   (b) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 6326         to nucleotide 7126 (→Pyrco-d5E);     -   (c) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide 7908         to nucleotide 9192 (→Pavsa-d5D);     -   (d) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         11352 to nucleotide 12596 (Picpa-w3/d15D←);     -   (e) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         15216 to nucleotide 16556 (→Pavsa d4D);     -   (f) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         17619 to nucleotide 18866 (→Lack-d12D);     -   (g) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         21895 to nucleotide 22647 (→Pyrco-d6E);     -   (h) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         25943 to nucleotide 26283 (Pyrco-d6E←);     -   (i) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         30066 to nucleotide 31313 (Lack-d12D←);     -   (j) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         31831 to nucleotide 35816 (Pavsa-d4D←);     -   (k) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         36335 to nucleotide 38319 (→Picpa-w3/d15D);     -   (l) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         39749 to nucleotide 41023 (Pavsa-d5D←);     -   (m) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         41805 to nucleotide 42605 (Pyrco-d5E←);     -   (n) the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41 from nucleotide         45724 to nucleotide 47111 (→Micpu-d6D);     -   (o) a molecule with at least 80%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 99.5%,         sequence identity to the nucleotide sequences (a) through         (u), (a) through (j), (k) through (u); or     -   (p) complements thereof;         wherein the artificial locus includes regulatory regions (e.g.,         promoters, leader sequences, terminators) to provide expression         of (a) through (n) or (o) or (p). A related embodiment provides         plant cells, plant materials, or plant seeds comprising this         artificial binary genetic locus.

A genetic trait such that has been engineered into a particular canola plant using transformation techniques, such as described herein, can be moved into another canola or Brassica line using traditional breeding techniques that are well known in the plant breeding arts. For example, plants harboring elite event NS-B50027-4 can, for example, be obtained from the seeds deposited at the ATCC. Such plants can be further propagated and/or used in a conventional breeding scheme to introduce elite event NS-B50027-4 into other cultivars of the same plant species. The deposited seeds belong to the species Brassica napus. Nevertheless, methods to introduce alleles or transgenes located on the A-genome or C-genome from B. napus to B. juncea are well known in the art and include repeated back-crossing. A backcrossing approach can be used to move a transgene from a transformed canola plant to an elite inbred line and the resulting progeny comprise the transgene. Also, if an inbred line is used for the transformation, then the transgenic plants can be crossed to a different line in order to produce a transgenic hybrid canola plant. As used herein, “crossing” can refer to a simple X by Y cross, or the process of backcrossing, depending on the context. Various genetic elements can further be introduced into the plant genome using transformation. These elements include but are not limited to genes; coding sequences; inducible, constitutive, and tissue specific promoters; enhancing sequences; and signal and targeting sequences.

Inbred Canola Line NS-B50027-4

Canola line NS-B50027-4 is a stable and uniform breeding line, as described herein. It has been bred with careful attention to uniformity of plant type, and the line has been increased with continued observation for uniformity. NS-B50027-4 is distinguished particularly for the production in its seeds of LC-PUFA, particularly LC-ω3 fatty acids, and more particularly DHA. Canola line NS-B50027-4 is not a parent of any other canola cultivar commercialized at the time of the patent filing for line NS-B50027-4.

Inbred transgenic canola line NS-B50027-4 has the following morphology and physiological characteristics (based primarily on data collected and averaged from eight different locations in Australia during 2015):

TABLE 3 Description Information: NS-B50027-4 and AV Jade NS-B50027-4 Comparator: AV Jade Species Brassica napus Brassica napus Leaf: Green color medium medium Leaf: Lobes present present Leaf: Number of lobes medium medium Leaf: Dentation of margin medium medium Leaf: Length medium medium Time of Flowering medium to late medium Flower: Color of petals yellow yellow Flower: Width of petals medium medium Flower: Production of pollen present present Plant: Seedling vigor medium to high medium Plant: Height at full flowering medium medium Plant: Lodging at maturity low low Blackleg Disease Resistance present present Silique: Length medium to long medium to long Silique: Length of beak medium medium Silique: Length of peduncle medium to long medium to long Seed Shattering low low Seed: Yield high high Seed % Oil moderate moderate Seed: % Erucic Acid nil nil Seed: % EPA C20:5n3 present absent Seed: % DPA C22:5n3 present absent Seed: % DHA C22:6n3 present absent

Another aspect provides a method for producing a NS-B50027-4-derived Brassica napus plant, or parts thereof such as seed, comprising crossing the B. napus plant, or parts thereof, described above comprising obtaining the Brassica plant described above and growing the plant under Brassica plant growing conditions. Another aspect provides a method of growing B. napus line NS-B50027-4, representative seed of said line having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-123186, a sub-line of NS-B50027-4, progeny of NS-B50027-4 or the sub-line, or a plant produced by crossing NS-B50027-4 with a second canola or Brassica plant comprising: obtaining the Brassica seed described above and growing the plant under Brassica plant growing conditions. Another aspect provides a method for producing a NS-B50027-4-derived Brassica napus plant, or parts thereof such as seed, comprising crossing the Brassica napus plant, or parts thereof.

LC-ω3 Fatty Acids

With canola line NS-B50027-4 plants, according to the present embodiments, LC-ω3 fatty acids can be produced in commercial quantities from NS-B50027-4 canola seed. Thus, techniques for the selection and propagation of transformed plants yield a plurality of plants with advantageous traits of NS-B50027-4, that are harvested in a conventional manner and the fatty acids extracted from a tissue of interest, e.g., seeds.

As noted above, “fatty acid content” or “fatty acid composition” generally refers to percentages by weight of various fatty acids present in the endogenously formed oil of the mature, whole, partially dried seeds (typically containing about 6% or 7% moisture), calculated as percent particular fatty acid as area normalized; or against a known standard; or as a weight ratio of fatty acid per gram of seeds (e.g., mg DHA/g seeds).

A common industry practice reports fatty acid composition as area percentage (area normalized), rather than as absolute quantities. For example, chromatography often generates data as peaks, and the area under each peak is integrated and presented as a percentage of the total area under all the peaks for fatty acids in the chromatogram. Area percentage is easy to calculate and compare with results reported by others in the industry who also report area percentage. Area percentage is not absolute, but provides a acceptable approximation. Absolute mg/kg results can be calculated, for example, by including reference standards of known concentration and an internal standard. Correction factors can also be used to calculate mass amounts of fatty acids.

For example, in determining the fatty acid content the seeds may be crushed, the oil triacylglycerides (TAG) extracted, followed by saponification and methylation with methanol and sodium methoxide, or by reaction with 1.25% 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl-trimethylammonium hydroxide in methanol (Meth Prep IITM, Fischer Scientific Cat #AT18007), to form fatty acid methyl esters. The resulting fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) can be analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography (GLC), using a capillary column that separates the FAME based on the degree of unsaturation and fatty acid chain length. FAME can also be analyzed by, for example, GC, LC-MS, GC-MS, NMR or near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. Fatty acid composition may also be determined from whole seeds, e.g., by breaking the seed coats and subjecting the broken seeds to direct methylation. Total lipid may be separated by techniques known in the art to purify fractions such as the TAG fraction. For example, thin-layer chromatography (TLC) may be performed at an analytical scale to separate TAG from other lipid fractions such as DAG, acyl-CoAs or phospholipid in order to determine the fatty acid composition specifically of TAG. A number of other analytical techniques may be used as known to those skilled in the art. See, e.g., Tinoco et al., 3 Anal. Biochem. 514 (1962); CANOLA: CHEMISTRY, PRODUCTION, PROCESSING & UTILIZATION (Daun et al., eds., AOCS Press, Urbana, Ill., 2011) (Daun et al., 2011); US 2015/0166928; US 20160002566.

In a further embodiment, extracted plant lipid can be treated to increase the level of DHA as a percentage of the total fatty acid content. For example, the treatment comprises hydrolysis of the esterified fatty acids to produce free fatty acids, or transesterification. For example, canola oil may be treated to convert the fatty acids in the oil to alkyl esters such as methyl or ethyl esters, which may then be purified or fractionated to enrich the lipid or oil for DHA. In embodiments, the fatty acid composition of the lipid after such treatment comprises at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% DHA.

The present embodiments also include progeny and descendants of these new B. napus lines from line NS-B50027-4. The progeny or descendants can be developed by methods of breeding or tissue culture as are known to those skilled in the art. For example, the progeny or descendants can contain the canola fatty acid profile developed in these lines. Accordingly, the descendants or progeny can have any number of genes from the developed lines. The descendants or progeny can include only those genes that provide the canola fatty acid phenotype provided herein, or additional genes. This can be determined by molecular analysis as is known to those skilled in the art.

An aspect provides a method for developing a Brassica napus seed having the same phenotype as that of NS-B50027-4. For example, the DHA fatty acid content of NS-B50027-4 seeds comprise at least about 7%, at least about 8%, at least about 9%, at least about 10% DHA, at least about 11% DHA, at least about 12%, at least about 13%, at least about 14%, at least about 15% or more DHA (% fatty acids). For example, the LC-PUFA fatty acid content of NS-B50027-4 seeds comprise at least about 10% LC-PUFA, at least about 11%, at least about 12%, at least about 13%, at least about 14%, at least about 15%, at least about 16%, at least about 17%, at least about 18%, or more LC-PUFA (sum of EPA, DPA, DHA as % fatty acids).

Another aspect provides a homogeneous assemblage of crushed Brassica napus seed produced from the plants of described herein, wherein the crushed B. napus seed have at least about 30%, at least about 35%, such as about 36% to about 40%, inclusive, by weight, of total fatty acids (% wt. seed). In particular embodiments, for example, the fatty acid content of a homogeneous assemblage of crushed B. napus seed comprises at least about 7% DHA, at least about 8% DHA, at least about 9% DHA, at least about 10% DHA, at least about 11% DHA, at least about 12% DHA, at least about 13% DHA, at least about 14% DHA, at least about 15% DHA, or more DHA (% fatty acids). In particular embodiments, for example, the fatty acid content of a homogeneous assemblage of crushed B. napus seed comprises at least about 8% LC-PUFA, at least about 9% LC-PUFA, at least about 10% LC-PUFA, at least about 11% LC-PUFA, at least about 12% LC-PUFA, at least about 13%, at least about 14% LC-PUFA, at least about 15% LC-PUFA, at least about 16%, at least about 17%, at least about 18% or more LC-PUFA (sum of EPA, DPA, DHA as % fatty acids). Also provided is the oil and meal from such crushed seed.

Also provided is a homogeneous assemblage of crushed line NS-B50027-4 seed, or a homogeneous assemblage of crushed B. napus seed from a progeny or descendent of NS-B50027-4, wherein the crushed seeds have a DHA content of at least about 7% DHA, at least about 8% DHA, at least about 9% DHA, at least about 10% DHA, at least about 11% DHA, at least about 12% DHA, at least about 13% DHA, at least about 14% DHA, at least about 15% DHA, or more DHA (% fatty acids). For example, a homogeneous assemblage of crushed Brassica napus NS-B50027-4 seed, or a homogeneous assemblage of crushed B. napus seed from a progeny or descendent of NS-B50027-4, wherein the homogeneous assemblage of crushed seed comprises at least about 8% LC-PUFA, at least about 9% LC-PUFA, at least about 10% LC-PUFA, at least about 11% LC-PUFA, at least about 12% LC-PUFA, at least about 13%, at least about 14% LC-PUFA, at least about 15% LC-PUFA, at least about 16%, at least about 17%, at least about 18% or more LC-PUFA (sum of EPA, DPA, DHA as % fatty acids). Also provided is the oil and meal from such crushed seed.

Another aspect described herein provides a method of producing oil or meal from Brassica napus line NS-B50027-4, representative seed of said line having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-123186, a sub-line of NS-B50027-4, progeny of NS-B50027-4 or the sub-line, or a plant produced by crossing NS-B50027-4 with a second canola or Brassica plant comprising: growing the plant described above under Brassica plant growing conditions; harvesting the seed; and extracting oil or meal.

Another aspect described herein provides a method of producing oil from Brassica napus line NS-B50027-4, representative seed of said line having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-123186, a sub-line of NS-B50027-4, progeny of NS-B50027-4 or the sub-line, or a plant produced by crossing NS-B50027-4 with a second Brassica plant, comprising: crushing seeds of line NS-B50027-4, representative seed of said line having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-123186, a sub-line of NS-B50027-4, progeny of NS-B50027-4 or the sub-line, or a plant produced by crossing NS-B50027-4 with a second canola or Brassica plant; and extracting oil from said seeds.

Another aspect provides meal and protein, as well as oil, from NS-B50027-4 seed or NS-B50027-4-derived progeny seed. Protein extraction from plant biomass can be accomplished by known methods. See, e.g., Heney & Orr, 114 Anal. Biochem. 92 (1981). Meal from NS-B50027-4 may prove particularly advantageous because it contains at least some DHA and other ω3 fatty acids. Similarly, the protein fraction from NS-B50027-4 comprises at least some beneficial DHA and other ω3 fatty acids.

Despite having lower oleic acid content than oils alleged to lend stability to DHA and other LC-PUFAs via high oleic acid content, LC-PUFA ω3 fatty acid oil from the seed of NS-B50027-4 exhibit surprising stability. More specifically, LC-PUFA ω3 fatty acids are notoriously unstable and particularly susceptible to oxidation. It is understood in the art that encapsulation, blending with other oils, particularly high oleic acid oils, or adding antioxidants are required to extend the shelf life of LC-PUFAs and foods containing LC-PUFAs. Despite a lack of such treatments, however, some evidence suggests that crude oil extracted from crushed NS-B50027-4 seed retains freshness for months at room temperature.

Another aspect of the present embodiments provides a source of DHA and LC-PUFA for use in nutritional supplements and food for humans and non-human animals. In particular, oil from NS-B50027-4 seed provides a sustainable source of DHA and LC-PUFA for use in aquaculture. Due to the high global demands for fish and the resulting overfishing of the seas, marine and freshwater aquaculture has taken on increasing importance. Betancor et al., 4 Sci. Rep. 8104 (2014). For example, farming and consumption of salmonids has dramatically increased during the past 20 years. The diet of wild fish is very different from that of their fellow species in aquaculture, however. In fact, aquaculture is still highly dependent upon marine-capture fisheries to provide key dietary nutrients, such as fish meal and fish oil. Indeed, fish meal and fish oil are the primary sources of ω3-LC PUFA in aquaculture. Because marine fish oils comprise a limiting factor for the strongly growing fish farming industry (5% to 10% per annum), aquaculture diets contain a wide variety of alternative plant-based ingredients such as legume seeds, oilseed cakes, leaf meals, and an increasing portion of vegetable oil. Replacing fish oils with vegetable oils that are traditionally low in LC-PUFA means that less LC-PUFA are available in the fish diet, even though some oils such as flaxseed oil contain a quantity of ALA that can be converted, albeit only to a limited extent, into LC metabolites in fish. In general, current vegetable oils in fish feed can have a detrimental effect on the FA distribution in fish, and they can alter the ω3/ω6 ratio.

For example, typical vegetable oils contain high amounts of ω6 PUFA, mainly as linoleic acid (C18:2 ω6; LA). Oil from the parent line AV Jade has no DHA, therefore no DHA:LA ratio; oil from NS-B50027-4 has a DHA:LA ratio of 1.048; compared with oil from farm-raised salmon having a DHA:LA ratio of 0.908. Strobel et al., 11 Lipids Health Dis. 144 (2012). Interestingly, the ratios of ω3 FAs from NS-B50027-4 are particularly advantageous regarding palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid associated with cardiovascular disease and dyslipidemia. Diet, Nutrition & Prevention of Chronic Dis., WHO Tech. Rep. Series 916, Report of a Joint WHO/FAO Expert Consultation, 88 (World Health Organization, Geneva, 2003). Oil from the parent line AV Jade has no DHA, and thus no DHA:palmitate ratio; oil from NS-B50027-4 has a DHA:palmitate ratio of 2.122; oil from farm-raised salmon, in comparison, has a DHA:palmitate ratio of 0.591; and oil from wild salmon has a DHA:palmitate ratio of 1.018. Strobel et al., 2012. The preparation of aquaculture feeds including LC-PUFAs is otherwise known in the art. See Betancor et al., 2014; Petrie et al., 9 PLOS ONE 1, 2014; Tocher, Aquaculture (2015). Therefore the scope of the present embodiments encompasses the use of oil from NS-B50027-4 as a source of ω3 fatty acids for aquaculture feed and aquaculture feed comprising oil obtained from NS-B50027 and its progeny.

Identification of NS-B50027-4 and Progeny thereof

An elite genetic event can be characterized by the location(s) and the configuration at the site(s) of incorporation of the recombinant DNA molecule(s) in the plant genome. The site in the plant genome where a recombinant DNA cassette has been inserted is also referred to as the “insertion site” or “target site.” A “flanking region” or “flanking sequence” is a region of DNA, for example, at least 20 base pairs, at least 50 base pairs, or up to 5,000 base pairs of the plant genome located either immediately upstream of and contiguous with, or immediately downstream of and contiguous with, the transgenic cassette. Transformation that leads to random integration of the foreign DNA results in transformants with different flanking regions, which are characteristic and unique for each transformant (elite event).

Another aspect provides a method for producing a NS-B50027-4-derived Brassica napus plant, or parts thereof comprising crossing the Brassica napus plant, or parts thereof, described above, with a second plant to produce a first generation progeny seed; growing said first generation progeny seed to produce an F1 generation plant; optionally, repeating the steps of crossing and growing to obtain successive filial generations of said seed to obtain a breeding line NS-B50027-4-derived Brassica napus seed, plant, or parts thereof. The plant or plant parts (including any hybrid) produced by this method are also provided. In an embodiment, a genetic trait that has been engineered into the genome of a particular canola plant may be moved into the genome of another cultivar using traditional breeding techniques that are well known in the plant breeding arts. For example, a backcrossing approach may be used to move a transgene from a transformed canola cultivar into an already developed canola cultivar, and the resulting backcross conversion plant would then comprise the transgene(s).

Accordingly, another aspect of the present embodiments provides compositions, methods, and kits for detection of NS-B50027-4. It would be advantageous to be able to detect the presence of a particular event in order to determine whether progeny of a sexual cross contain a transgene of interest. In addition, a method for detecting a particular event would be helpful for complying with regulations requiring the premarket approval and labeling of foods derived from recombinant crop plants, for example. It is possible to detect the presence of a transgene by any well-known nucleic acid detection method such as the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or DNA hybridization using nucleic acid probes. These detection methods generally focus on frequently used genetic elements, such as promoters, terminators, marker genes, etc. As a result, such methods may not be useful for discriminating between different events, particularly those produced using the same DNA construct unless the sequence of chromosomal DNA adjacent to the inserted DNA (“flanking DNA”) is known. Event-specific PCR assays have been described. See, e.g., Windels et al., (Med. Fac. Landbouw, Univ. Gent 64/5b: 459-462, 1999) (identifying glyphosate tolerant soybean event by PCR using a primer set spanning the junction between the insert and flanking DNA, specifically one primer that included sequence from the insert and a second primer that included sequence from flanking DNA). Additionally, the sixteen-gene insert of NS-B50027-4 disrupted the expression of the Brassica gene encoding the Pto-interacting protein (PTI), a serine-threonine kinase involved in the hypersensitive response-mediated signaling located on chromosome A05. Although no phenotypic change was observed, this provides another marker for identification of NS-B50027-4 or NS-B50027-4-derived progeny

Methods and kits herein are useful for identifying in biological samples the presence of plant material comprising specifically the transgenes in NS-B50027-4, as well as transgenic canola plants, plant materials, and seeds containing such event. The elite event NS-B50027-4 described herein can be identified by genotype, which can be characterized through a genetic marker profile that can identify plants of the same cultivar or a related cultivar or be used to determine or validate a pedigree. Genetic marker profiles can be obtained by techniques such as Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLPs), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), Arbitrarily Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs), Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) which are also referred to as Microsatellites, and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs).

For example, the elite event NS-B50027-4 described herein can be identified by generation of a genetic map from a sample of plant material. A genetic map can be generated by conventional RFLP, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) analysis, or SSR which identifies the approximate chromosomal location of the integrated DNA molecule coding for the foreign protein. See Glick & Thompson, METHODS IN PLANT MOLEC. BIOL. & BIOTECHNOL. 269 (CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla., 1993). Map information concerning chromosomal location is useful for proprietary protection of a subject transgenic plant. For example, the map of the integration region can be compared to similar maps for suspect plants to determine if the latter have a common parentage with the subject plant. Map comparisons can involve hybridizations, RFLP, PCR, SSR and sequencing, all of which are conventional techniques.

Another aspect of the present embodiments provides kits and methods for determining whether a canola plant is or is related to inbred line NS-B50027-4, or a canola plant that comprises at least part of genetic elite event of line NS-B50027-4. Compositions and method for simple and unequivocal techniques for identification of elite event NS-B50027-4 in biological samples are described herein.

For example, a kit can include at least one set of primers for identification of one or more genetic markers of NS-B50027-4, such as a set of sense (forward) and antisense (backward) primers. See Table 2. Specific embodiments of primers include the following primers useful in kits for conducting KASP assays to detect NS-B50027-4 genetic traits, particularly useful in introgression studies and hybrid development. See Example 2. These primers may consist of a nucleic acid molecule comprising at least ten consecutive nucleic acids of a sequence as follows: GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTCCAAGCACCGTAGTAAGAGAGCA (SEQ ID NO:1, Micopu-Δ6D); GCTAAGAAGTGGGGACTCAACTACAA (SEQ ID NO:2, Micopu-Δ6D); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTGCTCTTGCTGGAACTCTTGG (SEQ ID NO:3, Pyrco-Δ5E); GGGTTAGCCACATTGTAGGTAACGTA (SEQ ID NO:4, Pyrco-Δ5E); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTTAAGAGACACCCTGGTGGAAAGA (SEQ ID NO:5, Pavsa-Δ5D); TAGCATCAGTTCCAACTTGGTAAGCAAT (SEQ ID NO:6, Pavsa-Δ5D); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTGAACACGTAAGCAGACCAAGCAG (SEQ ID NO:7, Picpa-ω3D); CCCTCTTCTCCCTAACGAATTCCTT (SEQ ID NO:8, Picpa-ω3D); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTGAGGAACCTGTTGCTGCTGATGA (SEQ ID NO:9, Pavsa-Δ4D); GCGATCCTAGCACAAAGTTGAAGGTA (SEQ ID NO:10, Pavsa-Δ4D); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTGGATGGATCGCTTACCTCTTCGT (SEQ ID NO:11, Lackl-Δ12D); CAGGGTAAGGTTGTCCTGTAACGTT (SEQ ID NO:12, Lackl-Δ12D); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTCTATTGGATGGGGACTCAAGC (SEQ ID NO:13, Pyrco-Δ6E); GGGAGATCCTTAGTAGCAGAAGAGAT (SEQ ID NO:14, Pyrco-Δ6E); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTCCTGAGAGGCGTCCTGTTGAAAT (SEQ ID NO:15, PAT); AACAGCAGCCATATCAGCAGCAGTA (SEQ ID NO:16, PAT); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTTGTTCTTGGGTGGGTCTGTCCTTC (SEQ ID NO:17; A05 Insert Junction 1); GAAGGTCGGAGTCAACGGATTGTGTTCTTGGGTGGGTCTGTCCTTA (SEQ ID NO:18, A05 Insert Junction 1); ATCCACTAGCAGATTGTCGTTTCCC (SEQ ID NO:19, A05 Insert Junction 1); GTTGGCTAAGGTCACGGTGGAG (SEQ ID NO:20, A05 Insert Junction 1); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTCCGCCTTCAGTTTAAACTATCAGTGTT (SEQ ID NO:21, A05 Insert Junction 1); GAAGGTCGGAGTCAACGGATTGGTCACGGTGGAGGTCACCA (SEQ ID NO:22, A05 Insert Junction 1), GGTGTGTTCTTGGGTGGGTCTG (SEQ ID NO:23, A05 Insert Junction 1); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTACTTTTTTTTCAACTGTTGGCTAAGGTA (SEQ ID NO:24, A05 Insert Junction 2); GAAGGTCGGAGTCAACGGATTACTTTTTTTTCAACTGTTGGCTAAGGTC (SEQ ID NO:25, A05 Insert Junction 2), GTGTGTTCTTGGGTGGGTCTG (SEQ ID NO:26, A05 Insert Junction 2); GTCGTTTCCCGCCTTCAGTTT (SEQ ID NO:27, A05 Insert Junction 2); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTAAACTATCAGTGTTTGAACACCTCC (SEQ ID NO:28, A02 Insert Junction 1); GAAGGTCGGAGTCAACGGATTACAACTTGTCGTGCTACACACCT (SEQ ID NO:29, A02 Insert Junction 1); GGTTGTGTGAAAACGTGTGAGC (SEQ ID NO:30, A02 Insert Junction 1); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTCTTTTAGCTAAATAAGAGGTTCTGTATACT (SEQ ID NO:31, A02 Insert Junction 2); GAAGGTCGGAGTCAACGGATTCTTTTAGCTAAATAAGAGGTTCTGTATACA (SEQ ID NO:32, A02 Insert Junction 2); GATTGTGATTCCGGGCAGT (SEQ ID NO:33, A02 Insert Junction 2); GTGTGAAAACGTGTGAGCAAT (SEQ ID NO:34, A02 Insert Junction 2); GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTTTGTGATTCCGGGCAGTAG (SEQ ID NO:35, A02 Insert Junction 2), GAAGGTCGGAGTCAACGGATTTGTGAGCAATTGTTGGAGGT (SEQ ID NO:36, A02 Insert Junction 2); TCTTATCAACATTAAGAACATAATCTTTTAG (SEQ ID NO:37, A02 Insert Junction 2); or complements thereof.

The present invention also provides methods for identifying an elite event NS-B50027-4 canola plant, comprising: (a) forming a mixture comprising a biological sample containing canola plant DNA and a first and second nucleic acid primer capable of amplifying an event-NS-B50027-4-specific nucleic acid molecule; (b) reacting the mixture under conditions that allow the first and second nucleic acid primers to amplify an event NS-B50027-4-specific nucleic acid molecule; and (c) detecting the presence of the amplified fragment nucleic acid molecule, wherein the presence of the canola elite event NS-B50027-4-specific nucleic acid molecule indicates that the canola plant is a NS-B50027-4 canola plant.

Another embodiment provides methods for detecting an elite event NS-B50027-4 nucleic acid molecule in a biological sample comprising: (a) forming a mixture comprising a biological sample containing DNA and a nucleic acid probe capable of hybridizing to an event NS-B50027-4-specific nucleic acid molecule; (b) reacting the mixture under conditions that allow the probe to hybridize to an event NS-B50027-4-specific nucleic acid molecule; and (c) detecting the presence of a hybridized nucleic acid molecule, wherein the presence of the event NS-B50027-4-specific nucleic acid molecule indicates that the sample contains event NS-B50027-4 nucleic acid molecule.

Yet another embodiment provides methods for detecting the presence of an event NS-B50027-4 nucleic acid molecule in a biological sample, comprising: (a) forming a mixture comprising a biological sample containing DNA and a first primer capable of annealing to a region of the event NS-B50027-4 insert nucleic acid molecule and a second primer capable of annealing to a flanking nucleic acid molecule in a host cell genome; (b) reacting the mixture under conditions that allow the first and second nucleic acid primers to produce an amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a fragment of the event NS-B50027-4 insert nucleic acid molecule; and (c) detecting the presence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule, wherein the presence of the fragment of the event NS-B50027-4 insert nucleic acid molecule indicates that the sample contains event NS-B50027-4 insert DNA.

Proper testing should detect any major faults and establish the level of superiority or improvement over current cultivars. In addition to showing superior performance, there must be a demand for a new cultivar that is compatible with industry standards or which creates a new market. The introduction of a new cultivar will incur additional costs to the seed producer, the grower, processor and consumer for special advertising and marketing, altered seed and commercial production practices, and new product utilization. The testing preceding release of a new cultivar should take into consideration research and development costs, as well as technical superiority of the final cultivar. For seed-propagated cultivars, it must be feasible to produce seed easily and economically

For example, a kit can include at least one set of primers sense (forward) and antisense (backward) primers specific for a Δ6-desaturase derived from the micro alga Micromonas pusilla, a Δ5-elongase derived from the micro alga Pyramimonas cordata, a Δ5-desaturase derived from the marine microalga Pavlova salina, a Δ15/ω3-desaturase derived from the yeast Pichia pastoris, a Δ4-desaturase derived from Pavlova salina, or a Δ12-desaturase derived from the yeast Lachancea kluyveri (see, e.g., Table 2); and at least one set of primers specific for the 5′ junction between the insert and the native Brassica chromosome A02 DNA, such as a junction from nucleotides 2033 to 2132 of SEQ ID NO:40, a 100 bp region comprising 43 bp of the insert and 57 bp of Brassica chromosome A02 DNA, or at least one set of primers specific for the 3′ junction between the insert and the native Brassica chromosome A02 DNA, such as a junction from nucleotides 14156 to 14255 of SEQ ID NO:40, a 100 bp region comprising 46 bp of the insert and 54 bp of Brassica chromosome A02 DNA; at least one set of primers specific for the 5′ junction between the insert and the native Brassica chromosome A05 DNA, such as a junction from nucleotides 1110 to 1209 of SEQ ID NO:41, a 100 bp region comprising 50 bp of the insert and 50 bp of Brassica chromosome A05 DNA, or at least one set of primers specific for the 3′ junction between the insert and the native Brassica chromosome A05 DNA, such as a junction from nucleotides 47724 to 47823 of SEQ ID NO:42, a 100 bp region comprising 50 bp of the insert and 50 bp of Brassica chromosome A05 DNA.

The amplification conditions for methods that use DNA primers to produce an amplicon diagnostic for NS-B50027-4 event are within the ordinary skill of the art. In addition, a control primer pair for amplification of an endogenous canola gene is included as an internal standard for the reaction conditions and produces an amplicon of approximately 100-5000 nucleotides. The analysis of NS-B50027-4 event plant tissue sample should include a positive tissue control from NS-B50027-4 event, a negative control from a canola plant that is not NS-B50027-4 event, and a negative control that contains no template canola DNA. Additional primers can be selected from the junctions shown in SEQ ID NO:47, NO:48, NO:49 and NO:50 by those skilled in the art of DNA amplification methods, and conditions optimized for the production of an amplicon that may be any that result in an amplicon diagnostic for NS-B50027-4. The use of these DNA primer sequences with modifications are within the scope of the embodiments described herein. The amplicon produced by the use of at least one primer sequence derived from SEQ ID NO:47, or at least one primer sequence derived from SEQ ID NO:48, or at least one primer sequence derived from SEQ ID NO:49, or at least one primer sequence derived from SEQ ID NO:50, that when used in a PCR method produces an amplicon diagnostic for NS-B50027-4 event can be used in the described methods and is an aspect of the present embodiments. The production of the NS-B50027-4 event amplicon can be performed by using a thermocycler or by methods and apparatus known to those skilled in the art.

The present invention also provides methods for identifying an elite event NS-B50027-4 canola plant, comprising: (a) forming a mixture comprising a biological sample containing canola plant DNA and a first and second nucleic acid primer capable of amplifying an event-NS-B50027-4-specific nucleic acid molecule; (b) reacting the mixture under conditions that allow the first and second nucleic acid primers to amplify an event NS-B50027-4-specific nucleic acid molecule; and (c) detecting the presence of the amplified fragment nucleic acid molecule, wherein the presence of the canola elite event NS-B50027-4-specific nucleic acid molecule indicates that the canola plant is a NS-B50027-4 canola plant.

Another embodiment provides methods for detecting an elite event NS-B50027-4 nucleic acid molecule in a biological sample comprising: (a) forming a mixture comprising a biological sample containing DNA and a nucleic acid probe capable of hybridizing to an event NS-B50027-4-specific nucleic acid molecule; (b) reacting the mixture under conditions that allow the probe to hybridize to an event NS-B50027-4-specific nucleic acid molecule; and (c) detecting the presence of a hybridized nucleic acid molecule, wherein the presence of the event NS-B50027-4-specific nucleic acid molecule indicates that the sample contains event NS-B50027-4 nucleic acid molecule.

Yet another embodiment provides methods for detecting the presence of an event NS-B50027-4 nucleic acid molecule in a biological sample, comprising: (a) forming a mixture comprising a biological sample containing DNA and a first primer capable of annealing to a region of the event NS-B50027-4 insert nucleic acid molecule and a second primer capable of annealing to a flanking nucleic acid molecule in a host cell genome; (b) reacting the mixture under conditions that allow the first and second nucleic acid primers to produce an amplified nucleic acid molecule comprising a fragment of the event NS-B50027-4 insert nucleic acid molecule; and (c) detecting the presence of the amplified nucleic acid molecule, wherein the presence of the fragment of the event NS-B50027-4 insert nucleic acid molecule indicates that the sample contains event NS-B50027-4 insert DNA.

Progeny

The line NS-B50027-4 described herein can also be used for breeding other lines. For example, the source materials can be self-pollinated, outcrossed, backcrossed, used to produce doubled haploids, used as source materials for genetic transformation, of be subjected to genetic transformation, further mutagenized, and used for other forms of breeding as is known to those skilled in the art. The methods and results of using the source material to breed other lines are also within the scope of these embodiments.

With the advent of molecular biological techniques that have allowed the isolation and characterization of genes that encode specific protein products, scientists in the field of plant biology developed a strong interest in engineering the genome of plants to contain and express foreign genes, or additional, or modified versions of native, or endogenous, genes (perhaps driven by different promoters) in order to alter the traits of a plant in a specific manner. Any DNA sequences, whether from a different species or from the same species, which are introduced into the genome using transformation or various breeding methods, are referred to herein collectively as “transgenes.” Over the last fifteen to twenty years, several methods for producing transgenic plants have been developed, and the present invention, in particular embodiments, also relates to transformed versions of the claimed line.

Nucleic acids, oligonucleotides, or polynucleotides refer to RNA or DNA molecules that are linear or branched, single or double stranded, or hybrids thereof—including RNA/DNA hybrids. These terms also encompass 3′ UTRs and 5′ UTRs, typically at least about 1000 nucleotides of sequence upstream from the 5′ end of the coding region and at least about 200 nucleotides of sequence downstream from the 3′ end of the coding region of the gene. Less common bases, such as inosine, 5-methylcytosine, 6-methyladenine, hypoxanthine, and others can also be used for antisense, dsRNA, and ribozyme pairing. For example, polynucleotides that contain C-5 propyne analogues of uridine and cytidine have been shown to bind RNA with high affinity and to be potent antisense inhibitors of gene expression. Other modifications, such as modification to the phosphodiester backbone, or the 2′-hydroxy in the ribose sugar group of the RNA can also be made. The antisense polynucleotides and ribozymes can consist entirely of ribonucleotides, or can contain mixed ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides. The polynucleotides of the invention may be produced by any means, including genomic preparations, cDNA preparations, in vitro synthesis, RT-PCR, and in vitro or in vivo transcription.

Plant transformation involves the construction of an expression vector that will function in plant cells. Such a vector comprises DNA comprising a gene under control of, or operatively linked to, a regulatory element (for example, a promoter). The expression vector may contain one or more such operably linked gene/regulatory element combinations. The vector(s) may be in the form of a plasmid, and can be used alone or in combination with other plasmids, to provide transformed canola plants using transformation methods as known in the art to incorporate transgenes into the genetic material of the canola plant(s), including NS-B50027-4 canola plants.

A genetic trait that has been engineered into a particular canola plant using transformation techniques could be moved into another line using traditional breeding techniques that are well known in the plant breeding arts. For example, plants harboring elite event NS-B50027-4 can, for example, be obtained from the seeds deposited at the ATCC. Such plants can be further propagated or used in a conventional breeding scheme to introduce elite event NS-B50027-4 into other cultivars of the same plant species. The deposited seeds belong to the species Brassica napus. Nevertheless, methods to introduce alleles or transgenes located on the A-genome or C-genome from B. napus to B. juncea are well known in the art and include repeated back-crossing. A backcrossing approach can be used to move a transgene from a transformed canola plant to an elite inbred line and the resulting progeny comprise the transgene. Also, if an inbred line is used for the transformation, then the transgenic plants can be crossed to a different line in order to produce a transgenic hybrid canola plant. As used herein, “crossing” can refer to a simple X by Y cross, or the process of backcrossing, depending on the context.

Various genetic elements can further be introduced into the plant genome using transformation. These elements include but are not limited to genes; coding sequences; inducible, constitutive, and tissue specific promoters; enhancing sequences; and signal and targeting sequences. The advent of new molecular biological techniques has allowed the isolation and characterization of genetic elements with specific functions, such as encoding specific protein products. Scientists in the field of plant biology developed a strong interest in engineering the genome of plants to contain and express foreign genetic elements, or additional, or modified versions of native or endogenous genetic elements in order to alter the traits of a plant in a specific manner. Any DNA molecules, whether from a different species or from the same species, inserted into the genome using transformation are referred to herein collectively as “transgenes”. The process of “transforming” is the insertion of DNA into the genome. Several methods for producing transgenic plants have been developed, and the present invention, in particular embodiments, also relates to transformed versions of the claimed canola line NS-B50027-4.

Numerous methods for plant transformation have been developed, including biological and physical, plant transformation protocols. In addition, expression vectors and in vitro culture methods for plant cell or tissue transformation and regeneration of plants are available. See, e.g., Miki et al., Procedures for introducing foreign DNA into plants, in METH. PLANT MOLEC. BIOL. & BIOTECHNOL. at 63 (Glick & Thompson, eds., CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1993); Gruber et al., Vectors for plant transformation, id. at R 89; Genetic transformation for the improvement of Canola, PROC. WORLD CONF. BIOTECHNOL. FATS & OILS INDUS. at 43-46 (Am. Oil. Chem. Soc., Champaign, Ill., 1988).

The most prevalent types of plant transformation involve the construction of an expression vector. Such a vector comprises a DNA molecule that contains a coding region under the control of or operatively linked to a regulatory region, for example a promoter. The expression vector may contain one or more genes and one or more regulatory elements. At least one of the coding regions and their respective regulatory elements can be arranged in opposite orientation within the vector, providing a binary vector. In theory, arrangement of genes susceptible to gene silencing in binary fashion may minimize gene silencing. The vector(s) may be in the form of a plasmid, and can be used alone or in combination with other plasmids, to provide transformed canola plants using transformation methods as known in the art to incorporate transgenes into the genetic material of the NS-B50027-4 plant or NS-B50027-4-derived plant.

For example, an initial transformation cassette, pJP3416_GA7-modB, included seven genes capable of promoting the accumulation of omega-3 fatty acids in canola seed, and one selectable marker gene to facilitate the selection of putative transgenic plants in vitro. See WO 2013185184; U.S. Patent Publ'n No. 2015/0374654; Petrie et al., 6 Plant Meth. 8 (2010). The expressed genes are all synthetic—codon optimized and synthesized—hence the transgenic DNA molecules are not found in any natural organisms. The original sequences that were used as templates for codon optimization have been described. See Petrie et al., 12 Metab. Eng'g 233 (2010a); Petrie et al., 11 Plant Methods 6 (2010b); Petrie et al., 21 Transgenic Res. 139 (2012).

As is well-known in the art, functional gene promoters are regions of DNA that are important for gene transcription, but do not encode functional products such as peptides. For example, a common promoter for constitutive expression is derived from Cauliflower Mosaic Virus. Kay et al., 236 Sci. 1299 (1987); Coutu et al., 16 Transgenic Res. 771 (2007). Promoters under developmental control include promoters that preferentially initiate transcription in certain tissues, such as seeds, leaves, roots, fibers, xylem vessels, tracheids, or sclerenchyma. Promoters of particular relevance are “seed-preferred” promoters that initiate transcription primarily or only in seed. “Seed-preferred” promoters include both “seed-specific” promoters (those promoters active during seed development such as promoters of seed storage proteins) as well as “seed-germinating” promoters (those promoters active during seed germination). See Thompson et al., 10 BioEssays 108 (1989). Such seed-preferred promoters include, but are not limited to, Cim1 (cytokinin-induced message); cZ19B1 (maize 19 kDa zein); milps (myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase) (see WO 2000/11177 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,529). For dicots, seed-specific promoters include, but are not limited to, bean fl-phaseolin, napin, 0-conglycinin, soybean lectin, cruciferin, conlinin, and the like. The seed-specific promoters used in GA7-modB have been described previously: A. thaliana FAE1 (Rossack et al., 46 Plant Molec. Biol. 717 (2001)); L. usitatissimum Cnl1 and Cnl2 (Chaudhary et al., WO 2001016340); and truncated B. napus napin promoter (Stalberg et al., 23 Plant Molec. Biol. 671 (1993)). See also WO 2013185184.

An “inducible” promoter is a promoter that is under environmental control. Examples of environmental conditions that may affect inducible promoters include chemical control (induced in the presence of certain chemicals), anaerobic conditions, or the presence of light. Tissue-specific, tissue-preferred, (e.g., seed-specific), and inducible promoters constitute the class of “non-constitutive” promoters. See Ward et al., 22 Plant Mol. Biol. 361 (1993); Meft et al., 90 PNAS 4567 (1993) (copper-inducible); Gatz et al., 243 Mol. Gen. Genet. 32 (1994) (induced by herbicide safeners); Gatz, et al., 227 Mol. Gen. Genet. 229 (1991) (tetracycline-inducible); Schena et al., 88 PNAS 10421 (1991) (glucocortico-steroid-inducible). See also WO 2001016340 and the promoters discussed therein.

A “constitutive” promoter is a promoter which is active under most environmental conditions. Exemplary constitutive promoters include the promoters from plant viruses such as the 35S promoter from Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CMV) (Odell et al., 313 Nature 810 (1985)) and the promoters from such genes as rice actin (McElroy et al., 2 Plant Cell 163 (1990)); ubiquitin (Christensen et al., 12 Plant Mol. Biol. 619 (1989); Christensen et al., 18 Plant Mol. Biol. 6759 (1992)); pEMU (Last et al., 81 Theor. Appl. Genet. 581 (1991)); MAS (Velten et al., 3 EMBO J. 2723 (1984)) and maize H3 histone (Lepetit et al., 231 Mol. Gen. Genet. 276 (1992); Atanassova et al., 2 Plant J. 291 (1992)). The ALS promoter, Xbal/Ncol fragment 5′ to the Brassica napus ALS3 structural gene (or a nucleotide sequence similarity to said Xbal/Ncol fragment), provides another constitutive promoter. See also WO 1996/30530 and promoters discussed therein. The CMV promoter is also associated with a useful enhancer region. See WO 1996/30530 and WO 2013185184 and promoters discussed therein.

Terminator regions, which include polyadenylation signals, are required for the production of complete and stable mRNA molecules. For example, the A. tumefaciens nopaline synthase terminator (NOS) terminator provides a useful terminator. Bevan, 12 Nucl. Acid Res.8711 (1984); Rogers et al., in BIOTECHNOL. PLANT SCI. at 219 (Acad. Press, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1985); Sanders et al., 15 Nucl. Acids Res. 1543 (1987). A range of regulatory sequences were used in combination to drive and terminate transcription the various expression cassettes.

Transport of protein produced by transgenes to a subcellular compartment such as the chloroplast, vacuole, peroxisome, glyoxysome, cell wall, or mitochondrion, or for secretion into the apoplast, is accomplished by means of operably linking the nucleotide sequence encoding a signal sequence to the 5′ or 3′ region of a gene encoding the protein of interest. Targeting sequences at the 5′ or 3′ end of the structural gene may determine, during protein synthesis and processing, where the encoded protein is ultimately compartmentalized.

The presence of a signal sequence directs a polypeptide to either an intracellular organelle or subcellular compartment or for secretion to the apoplast. Many signal sequences are known in the art. See, e.g., Becker et al., 20 Plant Mol. Biol. 49 (1992); Knox et al., 9 Plant Mol. Biol. 3 (1987); Lerner et al., 91 Plant Physiol. 124 (1989); Fontes et al., 3 Plant Cell 483 (1991); Matsuoka et al., 88 PNAS 834 (1991); Creissen et al., 2 Plant J. 129 (1991); Kalderon et al., 39 Cell 499 (1984); Steifel et al., 2 Plant Cell 785 (1990).

Expression vectors typically include at least one genetic marker, operably linked to a regulatory element (for example, a promoter) that allows transformed cells containing the marker to be either recovered by negative selection, i.e., inhibiting growth of cells that do not contain the selectable marker gene, or by positive selection, i.e., screening for the product encoded by the genetic marker. Many commonly used selectable marker genes for plant transformation are well known in the transformation arts, and include, for example, genes that code for enzymes that metabolically detoxify a selective chemical agent which may be an antibiotic or an herbicide, or genes that encode an altered target which is insensitive to the inhibitor. Positive selection methods are also known in the art.

One commonly used selectable marker gene for plant transformation is the neomycin phosphotransferase II (nptII) gene, isolated from transposon Tn5, which when placed under the control of plant regulatory signals confers resistance to kanamycin. Fraley et al., 80 PNAS 4803 (1983). Another commonly used selectable marker gene is the hygromycin phosphotransferase gene that confers resistance to the antibiotic hygromycin. Vanden Elzen et al., 5 Plant Mol. Biol. 299 (1985). Additional selectable marker genes of bacterial origin that confer resistance to antibiotics include gentamycin acetyl transferase, streptomycin phosphotransferase, aminoglycoside-3′-adenyl transferase, the bleomycin resistance determinant. Hayford et al., 86 Plant Physiol. 1216 (1988); Jones et al., 210 Mol. Gen. Genet., 86 (1987); Svab et al., 14 Plant Mol. Biol. 197 (1990); Hille et al., 7 Plant Mol. Biol. 171 (1986). Other selectable marker genes confer resistance to herbicides such as glyphosate, glufosinate, or bromoxynil. Comai et al., 317 Nature 741 (1985); Gordon-Kamm et al., 2 Plant Cell 603 (1990); Stalker et al., 242 Sci. 419 (1988). Selectable marker genes for plant transformation that are not of bacterial origin include, for example, mouse dihydrofolate reductase, plant 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase, and plant acetolactate synthase. Eichholtz et al., 13 Somatic Cell Mol. Genet. 67 (1987); Shah et al., 233 Sci. 478 (1986); Charest et al., 8 Plant Cell Rep. 643 (1990).

Another class of marker genes for plant transformation requires screening of presumptively transformed plant cells rather than direct genetic selection of transformed cells for resistance to a toxic substance such as an antibiotic. These genes are particularly useful to quantify or visualize the spatial pattern of expression of a gene in specific tissues and are frequently referred to as reporter genes because they can be fused to a gene or gene regulatory sequence for the investigation of gene expression. Commonly used genes for screening presumptively transformed cells include α-glucuronidase (GUS), α-galactosidase, luciferase and chloramphenicol, acetyltransferase. Jefferson, R. A., Plant Mol. Biol., 5:387 (1987); Teeri, et al., EMBO J., 8:343 (1989); Koncz, et al., PNAS, 84:131 (1987); and DeBlock, et al., EMBO J., 3:1681 (1984). Some in vivo methods for visualizing GUS activity do not require destruction of plant tissues. Molecular Probes, Publication 2908, IMAGENE GREEN, 1-4 (1993); Naleway et al., 115 J. Cell Biol. 151a (1991). In vivo methods for visualizing GUS activity have been problematic, however, exhibiting low sensitivity, high fluorescent backgrounds, and limitations associated with the use of luciferase genes as selectable markers. Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) can be been utilized as a marker for gene expression in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Chalfie et al., 263 Sci. 802 (1994). GFP and mutants of GFP may be used as screenable markers.

NS-B50027-4 and NS-B50027-4 progeny can further be transformed to confer disease or pest resistance. For example, a plant line can be transformed with a cloned resistance gene to engineer plants that are resistant to specific pathogen strains. See, e.g., Jones et al., 266 Sci. 789 (1994) (cloning of the tomato Cf-9 gene for resistance to Cladosporium fulvum); Martin, et al., 262 Sci. 1432 (1993) (tomato Pto gene for resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato, a protein kinase); Mindrinos et al., 78 Cell 1089 (1994) (Arabidopsis RSP2 gene for resistance to P. syringae); Geiser et al. 48 Gene 109 (1986) (Bacillus thuringiensis δ-endotoxin gene); Van Damme et al., 24 Plant Mol. Biol. 25 (1994), (Clivia miniata mannose-binding lectin); Sumitani et al., 57 Biosci. Biotech. Biochem. 1243 (1993) (amylase inhibitor); Abe et al., 262 J. Biol. Chem. 16793 (1987) (cysteine proteinase inhibitor); Huub et al., 21 Plant Mol. Biol. 985 (1993) (tobacco proteinase inhibitor I); Regan, 269 J. Biol. Chem. 9 (1994) (insect diuretic hormone receptor); Pratt et al., 163 Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 1243 (1989) (allostatin); Tomalski et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,317 (insect-specific, paralytic neurotoxins); Scott et al., WO 1993/02197 (callase gene); Kramer et al., 23 Insect Biochem. Mol. Biol. 691 (1993) (tobacco hornworm chitinase); Kawalleck et al., 21 Plant Mol. Biol. 673 (1993) (parsley ubi4-2 polyubiquitin gene); WO 1995/16776 (derivatives of tachyplesin inhibit fungi); WO 1995/18855 (synthetic antimicrobial peptides); Jaynes et al., 89 Plant Sci. 43 (1993) (cecropin-β, lytic peptide renders transgenic tobacco plants resistant to Pseudomonas solanacearum); Botella et al., 24 Plant Mol. Biol., 24:757 (1994) (mung bean calmodulin); Griess, et al., 104 Plant Physiol. 1467 (1994) (maize calmodulin); Taylor, et al., Abstract #497, 7th Int'l Symp. Molec. Plant-Microbe Interactions (Edinburgh, Scotland (1994) (enzymatic inactivation in tobacco via transgenic single-chain antibody); Tavladorakiet al., 366 Nature 469 (1993) (viral resistance via transgenic antibody); Lamb et al., 10 Bio technol. 1436 (1992) (fungal endo-α-1,4-D-polygalacturonase fragments facilitate fungal colonization and plant nutrient released by solubilizing plant cell wall homo-α-1,4-D-galacturonase; Toubart et al., 2 Plant J. 367 (1992) (bean endopolygalacturonase-inhibiting protein); Logemann et al., 10 Bio/technology 305 (1992) (transgenic plants expressing barley ribosome-inactivating gene have increased resistance to fungal disease).

As noted, herbicide resistance is another useful trait that can be introduced by genetic modification. For example, resistance to herbicides that inhibit the growing point or meristem, such as an imidazolinone or a sulfonylurea, can be conferred by mutant ALS and AHAS enzymes. See, e.g., Lee et al., 7 EMBO J. 1241 (1988); Miki et al., 80 Theor. Appl. Genet. 449 (1990); glyphosate resistance is conferred by aroA and mutant 5-enolpyruvlshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS)genes; glufosinate resistance is conferred by phosphinothricin-acetyl transferase genes; and resistance to pyridinoxy or phenoxy proprionic acids and cyclohexones is conferred by ACCase inhibitor-encoding genes. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,835 (EPSPS confers glyphosate resistance); mutant aroA gene, ATCC Accession No. 39256, see Comai, U.S. Pat. No. 4,769,061; see also Umaballava-Mobapathie, 8 Transgenic Research 33 (1999) (Lactuca sativa resistant to glufosinate); Kumada et al., EP 0 333 033; Goodman et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,374 (EPSPS confers resistance to herbicides such as L-phosphinothricin); Leemans et al., EP 0242246 (phosphinothricin-acetyl-transferase); DeGreef et al., 7 Bio/Technol. 61 (1989) (chimeric bar genes encoding phosphinothricin acetyl transferase); Marshall et al., 83 Theor. Appl. Genet. 435 (1992) (Accl-S1, Accl-S2, and Accl-S3 genes confer resistance to phenoxy propionic acids and cyclohexones, such as sethoxydim and haloxyfop); Przibilla et al., 3 Plant Cell 169 (1991) (PsbA and gs+ genes confer triazine resistance); Stalker, U.S. Pat. No. 4,810,648 (nitrilase genes confer benzonitrile resistance); Hayes et al., 285 Biochem. J. 173 (1992) (glutathione S-transferase); Hattori et al., 246 Mol. Gen. Genet. 419 (1995) (acetohydroxy acid synthase confers resistance to multiple herbicides); Shiota et al., 106 Plant Physiol. 17 (1994) (yeast NADPH-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase); Aono et al., 36 Plant Cell Physiol. 1687 (1995) (glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase); Datta, et al., 20 Plant Mol. Biol. 619 (1992) (various phosphotransferases); WO 2001/12825; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,288,306; 6,282,837; 5,767,373; (plants with altered protox activity are resistant to protox-targeting herbicides).

NS-B50027-4 and NS-B50027-4-derived progeny can further be modified to confer any number of value-added traits as are known in the art. See, e.g., Goto, et al., 521 Acta Horticulturae 101 (2000) (soybean ferritin gene); Curtis et al., 18 Plant Cell Rep. 889 (1999) (nitrate reductase); Knultzon et al., 89 PNAS 2625 (1992) (stearyl-ACP desaturase); Shiroza et al., 170 J. Bacteriol. 810 (1988) (nucleotide sequence of Streptococcus mutans fructosyl-transferase gene); Steinmetz et al., 20 Mol. Gen. Genet. 220 (1985) (Bacillus subtilis levan-sucrase gene); Pen et al., 10 Bio/technol. 292 (1992) (transgenic plants express Bacillus licheni-formis α-amylase); Elliot et al., 21 Plant Mol. Biol. 515 (1993) (tomato invertase genes); Sogaard et al., 268 J. Biol. Chem. 22480 (1993) (site-directed mutagenesis of barley α-amylase gene); Fisher et al., 102 Plant Physiol. 1045 (1993) (maize endosperm starch branching enzyme II).

Canola line NS-B50027-4 can also be manipulated to be male sterile by any of a number of methods known in the art, including by the use of mechanical methods, chemical methods, self-incompatibility (SI), cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS, either Ogura or another system) or nuclear male sterility (NMS). The term “manipulated to be male sterile” refers to the use of any available techniques to produce a male sterile version of canola line NS-B50027-4. The male sterility may be either partial or complete male sterility. See, e.g., WO 2001/29237 (introduction of a deacetylase gene under the control of a tapetum-specific promoter and with the application of the chemical N-Ac-PPT); WO 1992/13956, WO 1992/13957 (stamen-specific promoters); Paul et al., 19 Plant Mol. Biol. 611 (1992) (introduction of barnase and the barstar genes); see also U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,859,341; 6,297,426; 5,478,369; 5,824,524; 5,850,014; 6,265,640; Hanson et. al., 16 Plant Cell 5154 (2004).

Numerous methods for plant transformation have been developed, including biological and physical, plant transformation protocols. See, e.g., WO 2013185184; Miki et al., in METHS. PLANT MOLEC. BIOL. BIOTECHNOL. at 67-88 (Glick & Thompson, Eds., CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, FL, 1993). In addition, expression vectors and in vitro culture methods for plant cell or tissue transformation and regeneration of plants are available. See, e.g., WO 2013185184; Gruber et al., METHS. PLANT MOLEC. BIOL. BIOTECHNOL. at 89-119 (Glick & Thompson, Eds., CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, Fla., 1993). One method for introducing an expression vector into plants uses the natural transformation system of Agrobacterium, see Horsch et al., 227 Sci. 1229 (1985); Curtis et al., 45 J. Exper. Botany 1441 (1994); Tones et al., 34 Plant Cell Tissue Organ Culture 279 (1993); Dinant et al., 3 Molec. Breeding 75 (1997); Kado, 10 Crit. Rev. Plant Sci. 1 (1991) (Ti and Ri plasmids of A. tumefaciens and A. rhizogenes, respectively, carry genes responsible for genetic transformation of plant); Gruber et al.; Miki et al.; Moloney et al., 8 Plant Cell Rep. 238 (1989) (Agrobacterium vector systems, methods for Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer); U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,616.

Several methods of plant transformation collectively referred to as direct gene transfer have been developed as an alternative to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. A generally applicable method of plant transformation is microprojectile-mediated transformation wherein DNA is carried on the surface of microprojectiles measuring 1 μm to 4 μm. The expression vector is introduced into plant tissues with a biolistic device that accelerates the microprojectiles to speeds of 300 m/s to 600 m/s which is sufficient to penetrate plant cell walls and membranes. Russell et al., 12 Plant Cell Rep. 165 (1993); Aragao et al., 20 Plant Mol. Biol. 357 (1992); Aragao et al., 12 Plant Cell Rep. 483 (1993); Aragao, 93 Theor. Appl. Genet. 142 (1996); Kim & Minamikawa 117 Plant Sci. 131 (1996); Sanford et al., 5 Part. Sci. Technol. 27 (1987); Sanford 6 Trends Biotech. 299 (1988); Klein et al., 6 Bio/technol. 559 (1988); Sanford, 7 Physiol. Plant 206 (1990); Klein et al., 10 Bio/technol. 268 (1992).

Methods for physical delivery of DNA to plants are also known in the art. See, e.g., Zhang et al., 9 Bio/technol. 996 (1991) (sonication); Deshayes et al., 4 EMBO J., 2731 (1985) (liposomes); Christou et al., 84 PNAS 3962 (1987) (spheroplast NHW11915); Hain et al., 199 Mol. Gen. Genet. 161 (1985) (CaCl₂ precipitation); Draper et al., 23 Plant Cell Physiol. 451 (1982) (polyvinyl alcohol or poly-L-ornithine); Saker et al., 40 Biologia Plantarum, 507 (1997/98) (electroporation of protoplasts). Additional methods include, but are not limited to, expression vectors introduced into plant tissues using a direct gene transfer method, such as microprojectile-mediated delivery with a biolistic device, DNA injection, electroporation, and the like. Following transformation, expression of the above-described selectable marker genes may allow for preferential selection of transformed cells, tissues or plants, using regeneration and selection methods well-known in the art. See, e.g., WO 2013185184.

The foregoing methods for transformation would typically be used for producing a transgenic line. The transgenic line could then be crossed with another (non-transformed or transformed) line in order to produce a new transgenic canola line. Alternatively, a genetic trait engineered into a particular canola or Brassica, using well-known transformation techniques, could be introduced into another line using traditional backcrossing techniques that are also well-known in the plant breeding arts. For example, a backcrossing approach could be used to move an engineered trait from a public, non-elite inbred line into an elite inbred line, or from an inbred line containing a foreign gene in its genome into an inbred line or lines which do not contain that gene. As used herein, “crossing” can refer to a simple X by Y cross, or the process of backcrossing, depending on the context.

When the term “NS-B50027-4 plant” is used in the context of the present embodiments, this also includes any gene conversions of that line. The term “gene converted plant” refers to those NS-B50027-4 plants that are developed by backcrossing, genetic engineering, or mutation, wherein essentially all of the desired morphological and physiological characteristics of a variety are recovered in addition to the one or more genes transferred into the NS-B50027-4-derived line via the backcrossing technique, genetic engineering, or mutation. Backcrossing methods can be used with the present embodiments to improve or introduce a characteristic into the variety. The term “backcrossing” as used herein refers to the repeated crossing of a hybrid progeny back to the recurrent parent, i.e., backcrossing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more times to the recurrent parent. The parental Brassica plant that contributes the gene for the desired characteristic is termed the “nonrecurrent” or “donor parent.” This terminology refers to the fact that the nonrecurrent parent is used one time in the backcross protocol and therefore does not recur. The parental Brassica plant to which the gene or genes from the nonrecurrent parent are transferred is known as the recurrent parent as it is used for several rounds in the backcrossing protocol. Poehlman & Sleper, 1994; Fehr, 1993. In a typical backcross protocol, the original variety of interest (recurrent parent) is crossed to a second variety (nonrecurrent parent) that carries the gene of interest to be transferred. The resulting progeny from this cross are then crossed again to the recurrent parent and the process is repeated until a canola plant is obtained wherein essentially all of the desired morphological and physiological characteristics of the recurrent parent are recovered in the converted plant, in addition to the transferred gene from the nonrecurrent parent.

The selection of a suitable recurrent parent is an important step for a successful backcrossing procedure. The goal of a backcross protocol is to alter or substitute a trait or characteristic in the original line. To accomplish this, a gene of the recurrent cultivar is modified or substituted with the desired gene from the nonrecurrent parent, while retaining essentially all of the rest of the desired genetic, and therefore the desired physiological and morphological characteristics of the original line. The choice of the particular nonrecurrent parent will depend on the purpose of the backcross. One of the major purposes is to add some commercially desirable, agronomically important trait to the plant. The exact backcrossing protocol will depend on the characteristic or trait being altered to determine an appropriate testing protocol. Although backcrossing methods are simplified when the characteristic being transferred is a dominant allele, a recessive allele may also be transferred. In this instance it may be necessary to introduce a test of the progeny to determine if the desired characteristic has been successfully transferred.

Gene traits may be identified that are not regularly selected in the development of a new line, but that can be improved by backcrossing techniques. Gene traits may or may not be transgenic. Examples of these traits include, but are not limited to, male sterility, modified carbohydrate metabolism, herbicide resistance, resistance for bacterial, fungal, or viral disease, insect resistance, enhanced nutritional quality, industrial usage, yield stability, and yield enhancement. These genes are generally inherited through the nucleus. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,969,212; 7,164,059.

Further reproduction of the inbred line NS-B50027-4 can occur by tissue culture and regeneration. The term “tissue culture” indicates a composition comprising isolated cells of the same or a different type or a collection of such cells organized into parts of a plant. Exemplary types of tissue cultures are protoplasts, calli, meristematic cells, and plant cells that can generate tissue culture that are intact in plants or parts of plants, such as leaves, pollen, embryos, roots, root tips, anthers, pistils, flowers, seeds, petioles, suckers, and the like. Means for preparing and maintaining plant tissue culture are well known in the art. Tissue culture of various tissues of canola and regeneration of plants therefrom is well-known. See, e.g., Teng et al., 27 HortSci. 1030 (1992); Teng et al., 28 HortSci. 669 (1993); Zhang et al., 46 J. Genet. Breeding 287 (1992); Webb et al., 38 Plant Cell Tissue Organ Cult. 77 (1994); Curtis et al., 45 J. Exp. Bot. 1441 (1994); Nagata et al., 125 J. Am. Soc'y Hort. Sci. 669 (2000); Ibrahim,et al., 28 Plant Cell Tissue Organ Cult. 139 (1992); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,959,185; 5,973,234; 5,977,445. Tissue culture as well as microspore culture for regeneration of canola plants can be accomplished successfully. See Chuong et al., 4 Plant Cell Rep. 4 (1985); Barsby et al., 5 Plant Cell Rep. 101 (1986); Kartha et al., 31 Physiol. Plant 217 (1974); Narasimhulu et al., 7 Plant Cell Rep. 104 (1988); Swanson, 6 Meth. Molec. Biol. 159 (1990); Cell Culture Tech. & Canola Improvement, 66 J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 455 (1989). It is clear from the literature that the state of the art is such that these methods of obtaining plants are used routinely with a high rate of success. Thus, another aspect of the present embodiments provides cells which upon growth and differentiation produce canola plants having the physiological and morphological characteristics of inbred transgenic line NS-B50027-4.

Generally, when the transgene is introduced into a plant through traditional crossing, its insertion site in the plant genome and its flanking regions are not changed. An “insertion region” refers to the region corresponding to a region of at least 40 base pairs, such as at least 100 base pairs, or up to more than 10,000 base pairs, encompassed by the upstream and the downstream flanking regions of a transgene in the (untransformed) plant genome and including the insertion site (and possible target site deletion). Taking into consideration minor differences due to mutations within a species, an insertion region may retain at least 85%, such as 90%, 95%, or 100% sequence identity with the upstream and downstream flanking regions of the foreign DNA in a given plant of that species. Insertion of the transgenic cassette into the plant genome can sometimes be associated, however, with deletion of plant DNA, referred to as “target site deletion.” Nevertheless, additional transgenes or other genetic manipulations can be made in NS-B50027-4 without undue experimentation; and NS-B50027-4-derived plants can be identified as described herein.

The source material NS-B50027-4 can be used to produce lines for hybrid seed production if it is backcrossed onto a cytoplasmic male sterility source or some other source for sterilizing the inbred line as a female. Alternatively, the line can be used directly. For example, B. napus line NS-B50027-4 can be crossed with another canola plant to form a first generation population of F1 plants. The population of first generation F1 plants produced by this method is also an embodiment. This first-generation population of F1 plants comprises an essentially complete set of the alleles of canola line NS-B50027-4. Typically, an F1 hybrid is considered to have all the alleles of each parent. One of ordinary skill in the art can utilize either breeder books or molecular methods to identify a particular F1 plant produced using canola line NS-B50027-4, and any such individual plant is also encompassed by this invention. These embodiments also cover use of these methods with transgenic or single gene conversions of line NS-B50027-4.

Another embodiment of this invention is a method of using canola line NS-B50027-4 in breeding that involves the repeated backcrossing to canola line NS-B50027-4 any number of times. Using the transgenic methods described herein, backcrossing methods, or other breeding methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art, one can develop individual plants and populations of plants that retain at least 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 99.5% of the genetic profile of canola line NS-B50027-4. The percentage of the genetics retained in the progeny may be measured by either pedigree analysis or through the use of genetic techniques such as molecular markers or electrophoresis. In pedigree analysis, on average 50% of the starting germplasm would be passed to the progeny line after one cross to another line, 25% after another cross to a different line, and so on. Molecular markers could also be used to confirm and/or determine the pedigree of the progeny line.

A specific method for producing a line derived from canola line NS-B50027-4 is as follows. One of ordinary skill in the art crosses canola line NS-B50027-4 with another canola plant, such as an elite line. The F1 seed derived from this cross is grown to form a homogeneous population. The F1 seed contains 50% of the alleles from canola line NS-B50027-4 and 50% of the alleles of the other plant. The F1 seed is grown and allowed to self, thereby forming F2 seed. On average, the F2 seed has derived 50% of its alleles from line NS-B50027-4 and 50% from the other canola plant, but various individual plants from the population have a much greater percentage of their alleles derived from event NS-B50027-4. Wang et al., 40 Crop Sci. 659 (2000); Bernardo et al., 102 Theor. Appl. Genet. 986 (2001). As used in this context, the term population refers to a statistically representative sample. The F2 seed is grown and selection of plants made based on visual observation or measurement of traits. The traits used for selection may be the canola line NS-B50027-4 trait of high DHA production in seeds of the canola. The event NS-B50027-4-derived progeny that exhibits the desired NS-B50027-4-derived trait is selected and each plant is harvested separately. This F3 seed from each plant is grown in individual rows and allowed to self. Then, selected rows or plants from the rows are harvested and threshed individually. The selections are again based on visual observation of plant phenotype, or measurements for desirable traits of the plants, such as the desirable NS-B50027-4-derived trait. The process of growing and selection is repeated any number of times until an inbred NS-B50027-4-derived canola plant is obtained.

The NS-B50027-4-derived canola plant contains desirable traits derived from canola line NS-B50027-4, some of which may not have been expressed by the other canola plant to which canola line NS-B50027-4 was crossed and some of which may have been expressed by both canola lines but are now at a level equal to or greater than the level expressed in NS-B50027-4.

The NS-B50027-4-derived F1 canola or Brassica plants have, on average, 50% of their genes derived from NS-B50027-4, but various individual plants from the population have a much greater percentage of their alleles derived from NS-B50027-4. The breeding process, of crossing, self-pollination, and selection is repeated to produce another population of NS-B50027-4-derived canola plants with, on average, 25% of their genes derived from canola line NS-B50027-4, but various individual plants from the population have a much greater percentage of their alleles derived from NS-B50027-4. Another embodiment of the invention is an inbred NS-B50027-4-derived canola plant that has received the desirable NS-B50027-4-derived trait of high DHA.

The previous example can be modified in numerous ways, for instance selection may or may not occur at every self-pollinated generation, selection may occur before or after the actual self-pollination process occurs, or individual selections may be made by harvesting individual pods, plants, rows or plots at any point during the breeding process described. In addition, doubled-haploid breeding methods may be used at any step in the process. The population of plants produced at each and any generation of self-pollination is also an embodiment of the present embodiments, and each such population would consist of plants containing approximately 50% of its genes from canola line NS-B50027-4, 25% of its genes from canola line NS-B50027-4 in the second cycle of crossing and selection, 12.5% of its genes from canola line NS-B50027-4 in the third cycle of crossing and selection, and so on.

Another embodiment is the method of obtaining a homozygous NS-B50027-4-derived canola plant by crossing canola line NS-B50027-4 with another canola plant and applying doubled-haploid methods to the F1 seed or F1 plant or to any generation of canola line NS-B50027-4 obtained by the selfing of this cross. Pedigree breeding is used commonly for the improvement of self-pollinating crops or inbred lines of cross-pollinating crops. Two parents which possess favorable, complementary traits are crossed to produce an F1. An F2 population is produced by selfing one or several F1's or by intercrossing two F1's (sib mating). Selection of the best individuals is usually begun in the F2 population. Then, beginning in the F3, the best individuals in the best families are selected. Replicated testing of families, or hybrid combinations involving individuals of these families, often follows in the F4 generation to improve the effectiveness of selection for traits with low heritability. At an advanced stage of inbreeding (i.e., F6 and F7), the best lines or mixtures of phenotypically similar lines are tested for potential release as new cultivars.

Still further, the present embodiments are directed to methods for producing NS-B50027-4-derived canola plants by crossing canola line NS-B50027-4 with a canola plant and growing the progeny seed, and repeating the crossing with the growing steps with the NS-B50027-4-derived canola plant from 1 to 2 times, 1 to 3 times, 1 to 4 times, or 1 to 5 times, and selfing any number of times after the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth cross. Mass and recurrent selections can be used to improve populations of either self- or cross-pollinating crops. A genetically variable population of heterozygous individuals is either identified or created by intercrossing several different parents. The best plants are selected based on individual superiority, outstanding progeny, or excellent combining ability. The selected plants are intercrossed to produce a new population in which further cycles of selection are continued.

Backcross breeding has been used to transfer genes for a simply inherited, highly heritable trait into a desirable homozygous cultivar or line that is the recurrent parent. The source of the trait to be transferred is called the donor parent. The resulting plant is expected to have the attributes of the recurrent parent (e.g., cultivar) and the desirable trait transferred from the donor parent. After the initial cross, individuals possessing the phenotype of the donor parent are selected and repeatedly crossed (backcrossed) to the recurrent parent. The resulting plant is expected to have the attributes of the recurrent parent (e.g., cultivar) and the desirable trait transferred from the donor parent.

The single-seed descent procedure in the strict sense refers to planting a segregating population, harvesting a sample of one seed per plant, and using the one-seed sample to plant the next generation. When the population has been advanced from the F2 to the desired level of inbreeding, the plants from which lines are derived will each trace to different F2 individuals. The number of plants in a population declines with each generation due to failure of some seeds to germinate or some plants to produce at least one seed. As a result, not all of the F2 plants originally sampled in the population will be represented by a progeny when generation advance is completed.

A further embodiment provides a single-gene conversion of NS-B50027-4. A gene conversion occurs when DNA sequences are introduced through traditional (non-transformation) breeding techniques, such as backcrossing. DNA sequences, whether naturally occurring or transgenes, may be introduced using these traditional breeding techniques. Desired traits transferred through this process include, but are not limited to, fertility modification, fatty acid profile modification, other nutritional enhancements, industrial enhancements, disease resistance, insect resistance, herbicide resistance and yield enhancements. The trait of interest is transferred from the donor parent to the recurrent parent, in this case, the canola plant disclosed herein. Single gene traits may result from the transfer of either a dominant allele or a recessive allele. Selection of progeny containing the trait of interest is done by direct selection for a trait associated with a dominant allele. Selection of progeny for a trait that is transferred via a recessive allele requires growing and selfing the first backcross to determine which plants carry the recessive alleles. Recessive traits may require additional progeny testing in successive backcross generations to determine the presence of the gene of interest. Along with selection for the trait of interest, progeny are selected for the phenotype of the recurrent parent. It should be understood that occasionally additional polynucleotide sequences or genes are transferred along with the single gene conversion trait of interest. A progeny containing at least 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 99.5% of the genes from the recurrent parent, the canola plant disclosed herein, plus containing the gene-conversion trait, is considered to be a gene conversion of NS-B50027-4. When a trait is controlled by two genes (e.g., some disease resistance), selection is done simultaneously for two genes; and so on.

Mutation breeding is another method of introducing new traits into canola varieties. Mutations that occur spontaneously or are artificially induced can be useful sources of variability for a plant breeder. The goal of artificial mutagenesis is to increase the rate of mutation for a desired characteristic. Mutation rates can be increased by many different means including temperature, long-term seed storage, tissue culture conditions, radiation (such as X-rays, Gamma rays, neutrons, Beta radiation, or ultraviolet radiation), chemical mutagens (such as base analogs like 5-bromo-uracil), antibiotics, alkylating agents (such as sulfur mustards, nitrogen mustards, epoxides, ethyleneamines, sulfates, sulfonates, sulfones, or lactones), azide, hydroxylamine, nitrous acid, or acridines. Once a desired trait is observed through mutagenesis the trait may then be incorporated into existing germplasm by traditional breeding techniques. See, e.g., Fehr, PRINCIPLES CULTIVAR DEVEL. (Macmillan Pub'l Co., 1993).

It should be understood that the canola line of the present embodiments can, through routine manipulation of cytoplasmic genes, nuclear genes, or other factors, be produced in a male-sterile form as described in the references discussed earlier. Such embodiments are also within the scope of the present claims. The present embodiments thus provide F1 hybrid seed and plants produced by the use of canola line NS-B50027-4.

There are many laboratory-based techniques available for the analysis, comparison and characterization of plant genotype; among these are Isozyme Electrophoresis, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms (RFLPs), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), Arbitrarily Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), DNA Amplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs), Amplified Fragment Length polymorphisms (AFLPs), Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs, also referred to as Microsatellites), and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs).

Isozyme Electrophoresis and RFLPs have been widely used to determine genetic composition. For example, Shoemaker & Olsen, Molecular Linkage Map of Soybean (Glycine max), pp. 6.131-6.138 in GENETIC MAPS: LOCUS MAPS OF COMPLEX GENOMES (O'Brien, ed., Cold Spring Harbor Lab. Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1993) reported a molecular genetic linkage map that consisted of 25 linkage groups with about 365 RFLP, 11 RAPD, 3 classical markers, and 4 isozyme loci. See also, Shoemaker, RFLP Map of Soybean, pp. 299-309, in, DNA-BASED MARKERS IN PLANTS (Phillips & Vasil, eds., Kluwer Acad. Press, Dordrecht, Netherlands, 1994).

SSR technology is currently an efficient and practical marker technology; more marker loci can be routinely used and more alleles per marker locus can be found using SSRs in comparison to RFLPs. See, e.g., Diwan & Cregan, 95 Theor. Appl. Genet. 22 (1997). SNPs may also be used to identify the unique genetic composition of the invention and progeny varieties retaining that unique genetic composition. Various molecular marker techniques may be used in combination to enhance overall resolution. Molecular markers, which include markers identified through the use of techniques such as Isozyme Electrophoresis, RFLPs, RAPDs, AP-PCR, DAF, SCARs, AFLPs, SSRs, and SNPs, may be used in plant breeding. One use of molecular markers is Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping. QTL mapping is the use of markers which are known to be closely linked to alleles that have measurable effects on a quantitative trait. Selection in the breeding process is based upon the accumulation of markers linked to the positive effecting alleles or the elimination of the markers linked to the negative effecting alleles from the plant's genome.

Molecular markers can also be used during the breeding process for the selection of qualitative traits. For example, markers closely linked to alleles or markers containing sequences within the actual alleles of interest can be used to select plants that contain the alleles of interest during a backcrossing breeding program. The markers can also be used to select toward the genome of the recurrent parent and against the markers of the donor parent. This procedure attempts to minimize the amount of genome from the donor parent that remains in the selected plants. It can also be used to reduce the number of crosses back to the recurrent parent needed in a back-crossing program. The use of molecular markers in the selection process is often called genetic marker enhanced selection or marker-assisted selection. Molecular markers may also be used to identify and exclude certain sources of germplasm as parental varieties or ancestors of a plant by providing a means of tracking genetic profiles through crosses.

Thus, it is clear that the state of the art that these methods of obtaining plants are “conventional” in that they are used routinely and have a high rate of success. The utility of canola line NS-B50027-4 also extends to crosses with other species. Commonly, suitable species are of the family Brassicaceae. Accordingly, any and all methods using canola elite event NS-B50027-4 in breeding are encompassed by the present embodiments, including selfing, pedigree breeding, backcrosses, hybrid production and crosses to populations. All plants and populations of plants produced using canola line elite event NS-B50027-4 as a parent are within the scope of these embodiments, including those developed from varieties derived from canola line NS-B50027-4. Unique molecular marker profiles or breeding records can be used by those of ordinary skill in the art to identify the progeny lines or populations of progeny derived from canola line NS-B50027-4.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Characterization and Selection of Line NS-B50027-4 in Field Trials

A difficult task in plant breeding is the identification of individual plants that are genetically superior, because for most traits the true genotypic value may be masked by other confounding plant traits or environmental factors. One method for identifying a superior plant is to observe its performance relative to other experimental plants and to one or more widely grown standard cultivars. If a single observation is inconclusive, replicated observations provide a better estimate of the genetic worth.

Plants initially identified as B0050-027-18 were selected based on a single-seed descent procedure by harvesting a sample of one seed per plant, and using the one-seed sample to plant the next generation. In general, the number of plants in a population declines each generation due to failure of some seeds to germinate or some plants to produce at least one seed. As a result, not all of the plants originally sampled in the population are represented by a progeny when generation advance is completed. Moreover, original transgenic events compound the complexity of inheritance, such that no prediction can be made regarding the genotype or phenotype of progeny. Thus, plants were self-pollinated and selected for type for successive generations until a particular line became homozygous, exhibited selected traits with excellent agronomic properties, and produced a uniform population of true-breeding progeny. More specifically, the test lines were selected following a breeding re-selection program at the Nuseed Innovation Centre (NIC), Horsham (Victoria, Australia). Selection and advancement of candidate lines was based on:

-   -   (a) Copy number of the T-DNA insert;     -   (b) Segregation pattern of DHA expression;     -   (c) Homozygosity; (based on fatty acid phenotype and genotype);     -   (d) Production of LC-ω3-DHA; and     -   (e) Suitable agronomic traits for crop production, based on         progeny testing at locations over winter and summer.

In Australia, canola is grown across the southern dryland cropping zone and mostly within winter-dominant rainfall environments. Australian production is mostly from spring type canola cultivars that have low vernalization requirements. In general, Australian cultivars typically retain some minor delay in the onset of flowering and have relatively high plant vigor or biomass production over winter months. The canola crop in Australia is typically sown from April to May after the first major rainfall event and harvested from October to December. Yield is influenced primarily by available water during the growing season and water use efficiency of the cultivar. Major pathotype gene resistance to blackleg disease, caused by Leptosphaeria maculans, can differentiate cultivars in terms of seedling survival and stem cankering, but Australian cultivars are considered generally to have high resistance when grown under recommended agronomic practices. Seed development follows a growing season of five to seven months, and occurs in late spring or early summer. Apart from water availability, yield can be affected significantly by large temperature extremes (<0° C. to >35° C.) that may cause abortion of seed and seed pods.

As noted herein, transformation of canola germplasm was undertaken with an eight-gene construct that resulted in seed-specific accumulation of LC-ω3 fatty acids, in particular DHA. Broadly speaking, phenotype was characterized by product quality (PQ) (omega-3 fatty acids produced), although plants carried a marker gene (MG). Transformed material was reselected for locus homozygosity, expression of DHA in the seed, and agronomic traits and yield potential suitable for commercial production.

Three T2 generation-derived sibs from the transgenic event were compared with eight other canola cultivars (lines) for a range of important agronomic and seed traits across eight experimental locations (sites). In Victoria in 2015 the growing season rainfall was below long-term average and reduced the length of growing season. The eight Australian sites represented a wide range of environmental yield potentials as indicated by the range in site mean site yield (i.e., AV Garnet: 0.7 to 2.4 t/ha). Transgenic line B0050-027-18-X was represented by three transgenic lines: B0050-027-18-20 (T3), B0050-027-18-36-13 (T4), and B0050-027-18-105-13 (T4). Agronomic trait variation of the test lines was comparable to that of the commercial cultivars evaluated across all environments tested. This conclusion was supported by the finding that the grain yield of the highest yielding test line was statistically comparable, based on an across-site analysis (MET-REML), with the highest yielding commercial cultivars. Furthermore, for each site the highest yielding test line was significantly higher yielding than at least one cultivar, with the exception of one site where there were no significant differences. The test lines produced seed with slightly lower percent seed oil and with varied fatty acid composition; but this did not impact yield or agronomic performance. The expression of LC ω3 DHA fatty acid was highly stable across the tested environments.

Test lines were derived from transformed plantlets (var. AV Jade). Seed was bulked by allowing plants to self-pollinate in isolation (i.e., insect-proof tents).

The control cultivars (commercial breeding lines) used for comparison provided an agronomically diverse (e.g., plant habit, phenology) range of well-adapted (i.e., high but varying yield potential and oil content) cultivars grown widely in the cropping zone. These cultivars are all open-pollinated and described and extensively evaluated in, for example, the Australian National Variety Testing Program and Regional annual crop reports. See “nvtonline” website. Additionally, variation for plant disease resistance is well-described for blackleg in Australia. Van De Wouw et al., 67 Crop & Pasture Sci. 273 (2015). In Australia, blackleg disease can cause yield losses of up to 90%. Marcroft & Bluett, Agricul. Notes, AG1352, Victoria, Dept. Primary Indus. (2008). Genetic variation among commercial cultivars for specific seed fatty acid composition and seed oil content has been documented over time. See Seberry et al., Quality of Australian canola 2011 (Australian Oilseeds Fed., 2012). Plants from the cultivar AV Jade were transformed to produce the transgenic T0, and hence AV Jade can be considered a non-transformed isoline of the transgenic event described herein.

Phenotypic variation for test lines was characterized by plant emergence, plant vigor, flowering time, flowering duration, plant height, seed shattering, lodging resistance, blackleg severity, plant harvest count, grain yield, grain moisture, percent seed oil, and fatty acid content, particularly seed LC-ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA), specifically concerning yield of EPA, DPA, and DHA. For all the traits measured, restricted estimated likelihood analysis was undertaken using ASREML in statistical software GenStat. Gilmour et al., ASREML user guide, release 3.0, Biometric Bulletin (3) (VSV Intl, Waterhouse Stm Hemel Hempstead, UK, 2009). A linear mixed model statistical method was used to account for field spatial variation as extensively described and used for field plant breeding and genetics research. Cullis & Gleeson, 47 Biometrics 1449 (1991); Smith et al., 57 Biometrics 1138 (2001); Welham et al., Analysis of linear mixed models by ASReml-R with Applications in Plant Breeding: Course Notes (VSV Int'l, Waterhouse Stm Hemel Hempstead, UK, 2013). A Meta-REML across-site analysis was further undertaken for grain yield (t/ha) to determine the across-site Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) for lines tested.

Regarding plant emergence, this count was estimated by counting the number of emerged plants approximately twelve days post-sowing in two, one square meter (1 m²) quadrants within each plot across all eight sites. The average of both quadrants was used to estimate the number of plants emerged per square meter and analyzed as a trait variate. A plant emergence score based on a visual estimate of average plant density per plot was recorded for each plot across all sites and analyzed as a trait variate (e.g., 1=Low=0-5 plants/m²; 5=Moderate=25-30 plants/m²; 9=High=45-50 plants/m²). Plant emergences based on number per square meter and plant emergence score varied significantly between line treatments for all eight sites. Statistically variation for plant emergence of the transgenic lines was significantly within the range expressed by the cultivars across all experiments. Plant vigor was predicted early in the growing season using an observation 1 to 9 score of vegetative biomass at plant cabbage stage (i.e., from six-leaf-stage) for each plot across all sites, and analyzed as a trait variate.

Flowering time was recorded as number of days from sowing to when 50% of plants in the plot had at least one open flower. This was recorded for each plot across all trials and analyzed as a trait variate. Start of flowering (number of days from sowing), based on 50% of plants flowering varied significantly between line treatments for all sites. The site mean flowering time varied from 99 to 110 days and is an indication of environmental differences across experimental sites for this trait. Statistically the variation for flowering time of the transgenic lines was significantly within the range expressed by the cultivars across all experiments.

Flowering duration was the calculated difference between flowering time and end flowering time (expressed as number of days). This was calculated for each plot across all trials and analyzed as a trait variate: Flowering duration=Flowering end day−Flowering time (50%). Start of flowering (number of days from sowing), based on 50% of plants flowering varied significantly between line treatments for all eight sites. The site mean flowering time varied from 99 to 110 days, reflecting environmental differences across experimental sites for this trait. Statistically, the variation for flowering time of the transgenic line was significantly within the range expressed by the cultivars across all experiments. Flowering end (number of days from sowing) based on 90% of plants having no flowers, varied significantly between lines for all eight sites. The site mean end of flowering time varied from 128 to 139 days, which reflected environmental differences across experimental sites for this trait. Statistically, the variation for end of flowering for the transgenic lines was significantly within the range expressed by the cultivars across all sites.

Plants at harvest based on plants per square meter varied significantly between lines for all eight sites. Statically, the variation for plant number at harvest time for the transgenic lines was significantly within the range expressed by the cultivars across all plantings and locations. The number of plants at emergence was significantly correlated to number of plants recorded at harvest. Some of the calculated survival percent exceeded 100%, which reflected slow seedling emergence in two cultivars (ATR Wahoo and AV Jade): not all seedlings had emerged at the time plant emergence counts were recorded.

Plant height at dry seed maturity stage was measured from base to growing tip in the center of the plot. The center of the plot was used to avoid confounding effects likely associated with inter-plot spatial area (edge effects). This trait was recorded for each plot across all trials and analyzed as a trait variate. Plant height at maturity (cm), varied significantly between line treatments for all sites. The site mean plant height varied from 63 cm to 105 cm, and indicated environmental differences across experimental sites for this trait. Statistically, the variation for height of maturity for the transgenic lines was significantly within the range expressed by the cultivars across all experiments.

Seed shattering (sometimes referred to as pod shattering) at maturity was analyzed using seed shattering count per 1/8th of a square meters recorded over a two-week period. This was undertaken by placing two trays between sown rows and beneath the canopy for each plot in all locations, and analyzed as a trait variate. A seed shattering score (based on a 1 (nil) to 9 scale (high: +40) scale) was also recorded at one site based on the number of seed observed on the ground just prior to harvest and analyzed as a trait variate. Seed shattering based on number of seeds on the ground at harvest varied significantly between line treatments for four of eight sites. The site mean seed shattering number varied from 3 to 15 (per ⅛th of a square meter), and indicated low levels of shattering across all sites. The seed shattering score at one of the sites also varied significantly between lines, and was closely correlated with the across-site mean seed shatter count. This indicates that shattering recorded as a score was a good predictor of seed shattering. Statistically, the variation for seed shattering based on seed counts and score for the transgenic lines was significantly within the range expressed by the cultivars across all experiments.

Lodging resistance was recorded as a 1 (resistant) to 9 (susceptible), scored on the basis of angle of plant lean from the base of the plant at maturity. There was no statistically significant variation for plant lodging. The lack of variation for this trait is likely to be associated with below average rainfall at late pod fill stage.

Blackleg leaf severity symptoms representative of Leptosphaeria maculans and Leptosphaeria biglobosa were recorded as a 1 (low <5%) to 9 (high >40%) score for one replicate across five sites. Not all plots were scored, due lack of observable variation. Symptoms associated with cankering and stem breakage were not observed. Blackleg disease leaf symptoms observed were at very low levels at all eight sites. One site was sown using bare seed (seed untreated with fungicide). There were no relative differences in plant emergence amongst lines tested between this site and other sites treated with seed fungicide. Leaf symptoms are not always predictive of the degree of stem cankering caused by L. maculans (the main cause of yield loss and basis for resistance rating in Australia, see Sosnowski et al., 33 Australian Plant Pathol. 401 (2004)). Several studies have evaluated blackleg resistance on the basis of pathogen infection on cotyledons, leaves, stem (canker) and plant survival under field conditions. Given the lack of cankering and stem breakage the canola lines can be considered resistant to the present disease pressure for the purposes described herein.

Plant harvest count was estimated by counting plants in two, one-square-meter quadrants within each plot in all eight sites. The average of both quadrants was then used to estimate the number of plants per square meter, and analyzed as a trait a variate. Plant survival (%) was calculated by expressing site means for plant count as a % of site means for plant emergence count: Plant survival %=(Plant harvest count×100)/Plant Emergence count.

Grain was harvested when seed was physiologically mature and dry (˜7%) using a plot harvester. Harvest direction was kept consistent (i.e., front to back range for each row) for each trial to avoid harvest direction errors. Dry grain weight for each plot was determined and converted to units of t/ha based on plot area, and analyzed as a trait variate.

The grain moisture at harvest and in a lab sample was recorded and analyzed as a trait variate. A hand held moisture meter was used to analyze bulk samples directly at point of harvest in the field. Percent moisture was also determined using an oven drying method based on Australian Oilseed Federation (AOF) method 4-1.5. This method involved oven-drying a 5 gram sample in open tins at 130° C. for 1 hour. The samples were cooled in a desiccator for 40 minutes and weighed and percent moisture determined as a percent loss of mass. Grain moisture at harvest (%) varied significantly between line treatments for all eight sites. The site mean grain moisture at harvest varied from 9% to 12% which indicated that seeds were harvested at a similar grain stage. Statistically, the variation for grain moisture at harvest for the transgenic lines was significantly within the range expressed by the cultivars across all experiments. The grain moisture % at harvest was also correlated with flowering time, such that seed of later-flowering lines (i.e., ATR Wahoo and Monola515TT) had significantly higher grain moisture % at harvest time across all sites. Laboratory seed moistures varied significantly between lines across all sites. The differences between lines and across sites were very low, however, and averaged around 7%. This indicates no confounding effects of seed storage. The variation for seed moisture in the laboratory for the transgenic line was significantly (P<0.05) within the range expressed by non-transgenic lines.

The seed oil content (%) was analyzed using spinlock nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometry on seed adjusted to 6% moisture. Briefly, samples of 5 grams to 10 grams of seed were weighed into an NMR tube and analyzed by the NMR spectrometer. Seed oil results were determined by a software calibration created originally using twenty reference samples of known percent oil content, as determined by gravimetric oil extraction. The seed oil content varied significantly (P<0.05) between lines across all eight sites. The site mean seed oil % varied from 37.0% to 41.5%, which was generally below the average for the planting locations, and was a likely consequence of below-average rainfall and higher-than-average temperatures experienced during the grain fill period. The relative line differences were very consistent across sites. The variation for seed oil content for the transgenic lines was slightly lower compared with the non-transgenic lines across all sites—on average by about 2%, which may offer a target for genetic improvement. The lower oil content may not be linked genetically to the transgenic event, but may be the result of transforming a lower oil content cultivar, i.e., AV Jade.

A summary of the characterization of the agronomic traits of event NS-B50027-4 compared with those of non-transgenic cultivars is shown in Table 4 (analysis REML; F pr<0.001 Sig for all traits).

TABLE 4 Across-site analysis of agronomic traits Trait: Unit Emer- Harvest Emer- Plant Flower- Flower- Flower- Grain gence Plant Count gence Vigor ing ing ing Height at Shattered moisture Plant per Plant per Score Score Start End Duration Maturity Seed Yield at harvest Line name m sq m sq (1-9) (1-9) Day Day Days cm No. t/ha % ATR Bonito 18.2 16.0 7.3 6.8 103.8 131.2 27.5 90.0 13.0 1.35 10.6 ATR Gem 17.9 16.6 7.1 6.7 105.3 133.6 28.2 91.0 10.9 1.21 13.0 ATR Stingray 17.6 17.3 7.1 5.9 100.9 129.7 28.8 82.7 14.4 1.34 8.2 ATR Wahoo 11.2 11.8 5.9 6.1 108.2 136.0 27.3 92.3 10.7 1.12 18.7 AV Garnet 18.6 16.3 7.4 7.2 104.4 132.8 28.6 102.1 15.0 1.31 10.2 AV Jade 7.8 12.5 5.0 4.8 106.7 134.8 28.3 89.9 9.8 0.96 9.9 AV Zircon 19.0 15.7 7.3 7.0 104.4 132.0 27.6 98.7 22.5 1.31 9.5 Monola 515TT 20.3 18.5 7.5 5.8 108.6 136.1 27.3 87.9 12.3 1.24 12.4 NS-B50027-4 18.1 15.7 7.1 5.9 107.8 135.0 27.2 88.2 10.5 1.17 11.0 B0050-027-18-36-13 22.5 20.3 7.2 5.9 106.6 134.4 27.9 76.4 10.3 0.95 10.8 B-050-27-18-105-13 22.6 19.8 7.6 5.4 108.5 135.8 27.3 70.6 8.9 0.92 11.1 Min Cultivar Value 7.8 11.8 5.0 4.8 100.9 129.7 27.3 82.7 9.8 0.96 8.2 NS-B50027-4 18.1 15.7 7.1 5.9 107.8 135.0 27.2 88.2 10.5 1.17 11.0 Max Cultivar Value 20.3 18.5 7.5 7.2 108.6 136.1 28.8 102.1 22.5 1.35 18.7 Mean 17.6 16.4 7.0 6.2 104.7 133.2 28.5 90.0 12.0 1.14 11.0 VAR 0.67 0.98 0.02 0.01 0.04 0.07 0.13 1.35 2.74 0.00 0.15 SE 0.81 0.98 0.14 0.11 0.21 0.27 0.35 1.15 1.65 0.06 0.39 LSD 1.62 1.95 0.28 0.21 0.41 0.54 0.71 2.30 3.30 0.11 0.78 CV % 4.6 6.0 2.0 1.7 0.2 0.2 1.3 1.3 13.8 5.0 3.6

Fatty Acids were determined using solvent extraction, followed by simultaneous saponification and methylation, and analysis by GC-FID. Briefly, this involved crushing the seed samples and extracting the oil into solvent from a crushed-seed subsample. The solvent was evaporated off under nitrogen, and an oil subsample was diluted in a new solvent. An aliquot was reacted with Meth Prep II (a saponification/methylation reagent). Samples were heated at 40° C. to speed the reaction, and then injected on GC-FID using a BPX-70 column for fatty acid determination. Fatty acids were calculated as % composition of the oil where the area of each fatty acid peak was determined as a percentage of the sum of all the fatty acid peaks in the chromatogram. These estimates were analyzed individually as a trait variate. The % of specific fatty was estimated for: palmitic acid; stearic acid; oleic & cis-vaccenic; linoleic; alpha linolenic acid (ALA); arachidic (also known as eicosanoic acid) and stearidonic (SDA); paullinic, gondoic, and gadoleic acid; erucic acid and eicosatetraenoic (ETA); eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA); docosapentaenoic acid (DPA); and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Table 5 presents an across-site analysis of seed fatty acid content (all values percent; analysis REML; Fpr<0.001 Sig for all traits):

TABLE 5 Across-site analysis of seed fatty acid content Lab ALA, Paullinic, Sum of Seed Oleic & Ara- Gondoic EPA Mois- Seed Pal- Cis- Lino- chidic & DPA ture Oil mitic Stearic vaccenic leic & SDA Gadoleic EPA DPA DHA DHA ATR 6.7 41.9 3.9 1.7 60.5 20.9 10.1 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Bonito ATR 6.8 41.5 3.7 1.7 66.3 14.9 10.2 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 GEM ATR 6.6 40.8 4.3 1.8 60.6 20.5 9.7 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 Stingray ATR 6.8 41.7 3.7 1.6 60.7 20.4 10.4 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 WAHOO AV 7.1 40.4 3.6 1.7 69.6 11.8 9.7 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 GARNET AV JADE 6.7 41.0 4.0 2.2 61.0 18.7 11.2 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 AV 6.8 41.0 3.8 1.6 69.3 11.8 10.4 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 ZIRCON Monola 6.9 40.9 3.6 2.1 73.3 12.2 5.2 1.4 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 515TT NS- 6.9 37.0 4.1 2.1 45.9 8.2 20.7 3.4 0.4 1.0 8.6 9.9 B50027-4 B0050- 7.1 35.5 4.2 2.4 41.8 7.9 22.2 3.8 0.6 1.2 10.5 12.2 027- 18-36-13 B-050-27- 7.2 35.3 4.1 2.4 42.0 7.7 22.1 3.9 0.5 1.2 10.3 12.0 18-105-13 Min 6.6 40.4 3.6 1.6 60.5 11.8 5.2 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Cultivar Value NS- 6.9 37.0 4.1 2.1 45.9 8.2 20.7 3.4 0.4 1.0 8.6 9.9 B50027-4 Max 7.1 41.9 4.3 2.2 73.3 20.9 11.2 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 Cultivar Value Mean 6.8 39.6 3.9 2 55 14.8 15 2.3 0.1 0.6 3.1 3.8 VAR 0.002 0.05 0.0005 0.0003 0.1912 0.0385 0.0475 0.0032 0.0001 0.0005 0.0248 0.0345 SE 0.04 0.22 0.02 0.02 0.43 0.19 0.22 0.06 0.01 0.02 0.16 0.18 LSD 0.09 0.44 0.04 0.03 0.87 0.39 0.43 0.11 0.02 0.05 0.31 0.37 CV % 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.9 0.8 1.3 1.5 2.5 6.3 4.1 5.1 4.9

The percent of fatty acid in the seed present as stearic acid, as analyzed by GC-FID varied significantly between lines across all eight sites. The site-mean % stearic acid showed very little variation and ranged from 1.6% to 2.2%. Statistically, the variation for % stearic acid for the transgenic line was significantly within the range expressed by the non-transgenic lines across all sites.

The % of fatty acid in the seed as oleic and cis-vaccenic acid, as analyzed by GC-FID, varied significantly between lines across all eight sites. The site-mean % oleic and cis-vaccenic acid varied from 51% to 58%. Statistically, the variation for % oleic and cis-vaccenic acid for the transgenic line was significantly lower than the range expressed by the non-transgenic lines across all sites. This result is associated with the transgenic insert, and does not affect commercial agronomy or grain production.

The % of fatty acid in the seed present as linoleic acid, as analyzed using GC-FID, varied significantly between lines across all eight sites. The mean % linoleic acid per site ranged from 13.4% to 14.7%. The variation for % linoleic acid for the transgenic sib lines derived from one T2 event (plant B0050-027-18) was significantly (P<0.05) lower than the range expressed by the cultivars across all sites and sibs derived from other event sibs. The significant difference in % linoleic acid is likely associated with expression of transgenes. A reduction in the % linoleic acid is likely associated with the transgenic insert, but does not affect agronomy or grain production on the commercial scale.

The % of fatty acid present as ALA, arachidic, and SDA varied significantly between lines among all eight sites. The site mean for % ALA, arachidic, and SDA ranged from between 5% to 11%. The variation for the % ALA, arachidic, and SDA for the transgenic lines was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that expressed by the non-transgenic cultivars across all experiments. The significant differences seen for this trait at some sites was associated with expression of transgenes. This result is associated with the transgenic insert, and does not affect commercial agronomy or grain production. The specialty high oleic oil cultivar (Monola515 TT) produced significantly (P<0.05) lower % ALA compared to other cultivars, due to SNPs within the Fad genes.

The % of fatty acid present as paullinic, gondoic, and gadoleic acid varied significantly between lines across all eight sites. The site mean for % paullinic, gondoic, and gadoleic acid ranged from 2.0% to 2.5%. The variation for the % paullinic, gondoic, and gadoleic acid for the transgenic lines was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that expressed by the non-transgenic cultivars across all experiments. This result is associated with the transgenic insert and does not affect commercial agronomy or grain production.

The % of fatty acid present as erucic acid and ETA was recorded at five sites, and varied was generally close to 0%. The result associated with the transgenic insert does not commercially affect agronomy or grain production.

Seed LC-ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA), specifically EPA, DPA, and DHA, was calculated as a percent for each plot sample and analyzed as a trait variate in which LC-PUFA=EPA %+DPA %+DHA %. Predicted DHA, as units of Kg/ha, was calculated for each plot and analyzed as a trait variate: DHA kg/ha=(Oil %×0.01)×(DHA %×0.01)×Grain yield (t/ha)×1000. Predicted LC-PUFA as units of Kg/ha was calculated for each plot as and analyzed as a trait variate: DHA kg/ha=(Oil %×0.01)×(LC-PUFA %×0.01)×Grain yield (t/ha)×1000.

The % of fatty acid as EPA varied significantly (P<0.05) among lines across all eight sites. The variation for the % for the transgenic lines was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that expressed by the non-transgenic cultivars. This result, associated with the transgenic insert, does not affect agronomy or grain production but indeed may make the grain more valuable.

The % of fatty acid as DPA varied significantly (P<0.05) between lines across all sites. The variation for the % for the transgenic lines was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that expressed by the non-transgenic cultivars across all sites. This result is associated with the transgenic insert and will not affect agronomy or grain production commercially.

The % of fatty acid as DHA varied significantly between lines across all eight sites. The variation for the % for the transgenic lines was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that expressed by the non-transgenic cultivars in all locations. This result is associated with the transgenic insert and does not affect commercial agronomy or grain production. Variance between transgenic sib lines was used as a basis for selection. DHA percent across sites and comparing elite event NS-B50027-4 with non-transgenic cultivars (as determined by GC-FID) is shown in Table 6 (analysis REML; F pr<0.001 Sig for all locations).

TABLE 6 Site by cultivar/elite event mean seed % DHA (C22:6n3) Site: Across-site Line name A B C D E F G H mean ATR Bonito 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.2 ATR Gem 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 ATR Stingray 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.3 ATR Wahoo 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.2 AV Garnet 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.2 AV Jade 0.0 0.3 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.3 AV Zircon 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.2 Monola 515TT 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.2 NS-B50027-4 8.1 9.8 7.8 7.5 8.5 8.4 8.8 10.2 8.6 B0050-027-18-36-13 10.0 12.2 9.5 9.7 10.1 10.4 10.8 13.3 10.8 B-050-27-18-105-13 10.5 11.3 9.0 9.6 10.2 9.7 10.9 12.5 10.5 Min Cultivar Value 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 NS-B50027-4 8.1 9.8 7.8 7.5 8.5 8.4 8.8 10.2 8.6 Max Cultivar Value 0.1 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.3 Mean 3.5 3.6 3 2.49 3.7 3.56 3.88 4.1 VAR 0.15 0.07 0.079 0.29 0.14 0.14 0.11 0.18 SE 0.39 0.27 0.281 0.53 0.37 0.37 0.33 0.42 LSD 0.78 0.54 0.6 1.1 0.75 0.73 0.65 0.84 CV % 11 7.5 9.4 21.5 10 10.6 8.4 10.4

Predicted DHA expressed as Kg/ha, calculated on the basis of fatty acid profile, seed oil %, and grain yield, varied significantly (P<0.05) between lines across all sites. The variation for the % for the transgenic lines was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that expressed by the non-transgenic lines across all locations. This result is associated with the transgenic insert and does not affect commercial agronomy or grain production, except making the grain more valuable. Variance between transgenic sib lines was used as a basis for selection. There was high stability of DHA, in terms of units of production per area (Kg/ha), due to low across-site variation for seed oil and % DHA produced in the seed. Predicted yield of DHA (Kg/ha) across sites and comparing elite event NS-B50027-4 with non-transgenic cultivars is shown in Table 7 (analysis REML, F pr<0.001 Sig for all locations):

TABLE 7 Site by line mean seed predicted DHA (Kg/ha) Site: Across-site Line name A B C D E F G H mean ATR Bonito 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 ATR Gem 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 1 1 ATR Stingray 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 ATR Wahoo 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 AV Garnet 0 1 2 1 1 4 1 2 1 AV Jade 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 AV Zircon 0 0 0 2 0 4 1 0 1 Monola 515TT 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 NS-B50027-4 30 28 39 36 50 49 24 41 37 B0050-027-18-36-13 25 27 41 41 52 53 24 36 37 B-050-27-18-105-13 24 25 34 50 46 40 26 33 35 Min Cultivar Value 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 NS-B50027-4 30.0 28.0 39.0 36.0 50.0 49.0 24.0 41.0 37.0 Max Cultivar Value 1.0 1.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 4.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 Mean 8 8 12 12 16 17 8 12 VAR 3.93 3.08 14.60 38.66 10.77 24.55 7.60 6.94 SE 1.98 1.75 3.81 6.20 3.28 4.79 2.75 2.63 LSD 4.0 3.5 7.6 12.4 6.6 9.6 5.5 5.3 CV % 23.6 22.5 33.1 53.4 20.3 29.8 34.2 22.7

Regarding seed LC-PUFA omega 3-percent EPA, DPA, and DHA—the percent LC-PUFA varied significantly (P<0.05) among lines across all eight sites. The variation for the % for the transgenic lines was significantly (P<0.05) higher than that expressed by the cultivars across all experiments. This result is associated with the transgenic insert and does not affect agronomy or commercial grain production, except to increase the value of the grain. Variance between transgenic sib lines was used as a basis for selection. Trace levels of LC-PUFA observed in non-transgenic lines is likely to be associated with pollen flow, seed movement, or GC-FID error.

Table 8 shows the percent values as determined by GC-FID (analysis REML; F pr<0.001 Sig for all locations):

TABLE 8 Site by cultivar or transgenic line mean seed LC-PUFA (% sum of EPA + DPA + DHA) Site: Across-site Line name A B C D E F G H mean ATR Bonito 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.3 ATR Gem 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 ATR Stingray 0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.3 ATR Wahoo 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.2 AV Garnet 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.3 AV Jade 0.0 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.3 AV Zircon 0.0 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.2 Monola 515TT 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.0 0.3 NS-B50027-4 9.5 11.4 9.1 8.9 9.8 9.8 10.3 11.8 10.1 B0050-027-18-36-13 11.7 14.2 11.0 11.4 11.8 12.2 12.7 15.3 12.5 B0050-27-18-105-13 12.2 13.2 10.5 11.3 11.9 11.3 12.7 14.5 12.3 Min Cultivar Value 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.2 NS-B50027-4 9.5 11.4 9.1 8.9 9.8 9.8 10.3 11.8 10.1 Max Cultivar Value 0.1 0.4 0.5 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.3 Mean 4.3 4.4 3.6 3.05 4.5 4.34 4.75 4.9 VAR 0.23 0.11 0.112 0.33 0.19 0.2 0.14 0.23 SE 0.48 0.33 0.334 0.58 0.44 0.43 0.38 0.48 LSD 0.95 0.66 0.7 1.2 0.87 0.87 0.76 0.96 CV % 11 7.6 9.3 18.9 9.7 10.3 8 9.8

Predicted LC-PUFA expressed as Kg/ha calculated on the basis of fatty acid profile, seed oil % and grain yield varied significantly between treatment lines across all sites. Statistically, the variation for the % for the transgenic lines was significantly higher than that expressed by the cultivars across all experiments. This result is associated with the transgenic insert and does not commercially affect agronomy or grain production. Variance between transgenic sib lines was used as a basis for selection. Trace levels in cultivar seed is likely to be associated with pollen flow, seed movement or GC-FID error. There is high stability of LC-PUFA in terms of units of production per area (Kg/ha) due to low across-site variation for seed oil and % DHA produced in the seed. Table 9 shows the predicted Kg/ha LC-PUFU (F pr<0.001 for all sites).

TABLE 9 Site by cultiyar (line) mean seed predicted LC-PUFA (Kg/ha) site: Across-site Line name A B C D E F G H mean ATR Bonito 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 ATR Gem 1 0 0 0 2 3 3 0 1 ATR Stingray 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 ATR Wahoo 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 1 AV Garnet 0 1 2 1 1 4 1 0 1 AV Jade 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 AV Zircon 0 0 0 2 0 4 2 0 1 Monola 515TT 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 1 NS-B50027-4 35 33 46 43 58 58 28 46 43 B0050-027-18-36-13 29 32 48 48 60 61 28 41 43 B0050-27-18-105-13 28 29 40 58 53 46 30 40 41 Mean 10 10 14 14 20 20 10 14 VAR 5.50 4.34 21.71 54.48 15.98 34.93 11.14 58.10 SE 2.34 2.08 4.65 7.36 3.99 5.71 3.33 4.04 LSD 4.7 4.2 9.3 14.7 8.0 11.4 6.7 8.1 CV % 22.6 21.9 33.1 51.9 20.1 28.9 33.5 54.8

Seed oil content, determined using NMR, was also tabulated for each of the cultivation sites, and is presented in Table 10 (units are percent; analysis REML; F pr<0.001 Sig for all sites):

TABLE 10 Site by cultivate seed oil mean oil % Site: Across-site Line A B C D E F G H mean ATR Bonito 43.0 40.6 43.6 43.4 42.6 41.8 39.1 39.6 41.7 ATR Gem 43.7 40.7 43.9 42.7 42.3 40.5 37.8 39.5 41.3 ATR Stingray 41.4 39.7 42.6 42.8 41.1 39.1 38.9 39.9 40.6 ATR Wahoo 43.1 41.0 43.3 43.4 42.5 40.1 39.0 39.9 41.4 AV Garnet 43.9 39.9 43.4 41.8 41.5 39.1 36.5 36.4 40.2 AV Jade 41.7 40.2 42.6 42.2 42.5 38.6 37.5 39.4 40.6 AV Zircon 44.0 40.6 43.6 42.1 41.5 39.8 36.9 38.8 40.9 Monola 515TT 42.2 40.1 42.3 42.1 42.2 38.8 38.1 39.3 40.6 NS-B50027-4 38.7 36.1 39.3 38.2 37.3 36.5 34.2 35.1 36.9 B0050-027-18-36-13 36.7 34.3 37.2 37.9 36.8 34.3 33.4 33.2 35.5 B0050-27-18-105-13 36.3 34.4 37.9 37.4 35.8 34.1 32.1 33.0 35.1 Min Cultivar Value 41.4 39.7 42.3 41.8 41.1 38.6 36.5 36.4 40.2 NS-B50027-4 38.7 36.1 39.3 38.2 37.3 36.5 34.2 35.1 36.9 Max Cultivar Value 44.0 41.0 43.9 43.4 42.6 41.8 39.1 39.9 41.7 Mean 40.8 38.7 41.5 41.2 39.8 38.01 37 37.8 VAR 0.13 0.09 0.23 0.13 0.13 0.19 0.18 0.1 SE 0.36 0.3 0.477 0.36 0.36 0.42 0.43 0.31 LSD 0.71 0.59 1 0.7 0.73 0.85 0.85 0.62 CV % 1 0.8 1.2 0.9 0.9 1.1 1.2 0.8

Additional analysis of the fatty acid content of NS-B50027-4 seed is presented in Table 11:

TABLE 11 Detailed fatty acid content data for NS-B50027-4 GLA ALA SDA C14:0 C16:0 C16:1n7c C18:0 C18:1n9c C18:1n7c C18:2n6c C18:3n6 C18:3n3 C20:0 C18:4n3 C20:1n9c NS-B50027-4, Generation T7, Summer 2015-2016 1* 0.05 4.33 0.24 2.16 38.83 4.26 7.81 0.58 21.54 0.64 2.20 1.31 2 0.05 4.28 0.23 2.19 38.32 4.17 7.76 0.59 21.58 0.65 2.21 1.31 3 0.05 4.20 0.22 2.19 38.77 4.06 7.81 0.60 21.73 0.66 2.22 1.28 4 0.05 4.19 0.21 2.16 38.69 4.09 7.79 0.61 21.66 0.63 2.25 1.34 5 0.05 4.26 0.21 2.18 38.35 4.22 7.81 0.59 21.78 0.64 2.25 1.29 0.05 4.25 0.22 2.18 38.69 4.16 7.80 0.60 21.66 0.64 2.23 1.30 NS-B50027-4, Generation T6, Winter 2015 1 0.0 4.60 0.21 2.22 41.95 3.10 6.35 0.47 21.06 0.69 2.27 1.14 2 0.0 5.00 0.25 2.01 36.02 3.50 6.70 0.66 21.46 0.66 3.21 1.10 3 0.09 4.67 0.24 2.32 34.45 3.41 6.33 0.60 22.53 0.71 3.35 1.01 4 0.0 4.57 0.20 2.01 34.27 3.08 6.47 0.59 23.14 0.65 3.24 1.08 5 0.0 5.08 0.30 2.22 36.51 3.99 6.55 0.57 21.59 0.72 3.41 1.06 0.02 4.78 0.24 2.15 36.64 3.42 6.48 0.58 21.95 0.69 3.10 1.08 NS-B50027-4, Generation T5, Summer 2014-2015 1 0.05 4.51 0.21 2.05 39.18 4.10 8.67 0.66 21.93 0.60 1.86 1.38 NS-B50027-4, Generation T4, Winter 2014 1 0.17 3.93 0.16 2.14 44.54 2.65 7.02 0.45 19.4 0.64 2.21 1.26 Detailed fatty acid content data for NS-B50027-4 (continued) DGLA ETE ETA EPA DPA6 DPA3 DHA C21:0 C20:3n6 C20:3n3 C22:0 C20:4n3 C22:1n9c C20:5n3 C24:0 C22:5n6 C24:1n9c C22:5n3 C22:6n3 NS-B50027-4, Generation T7, Summer 2015-2016 (continued) 1* 0 0 0.71 0.31 0 0 0.40 0.24 0.10 0.85 9.69 2 0 0 0.70 0.32 0 0 0.39 0.23 0.11 0.88 9.78 3 0 0 0.72 0.32 0 0 0.40 0.23 0.09 0.89 9.83 4 0 0 0.71 0.33 0 0 0.41 0.23 0.08 0.91 9.92 5 0 0 0.72 0.32 0 0.01 0.41 0.23 0.10 0.89 9.80 0 0 0.71 0.32 0 0 0.40 0.23 0.10 0.88 9.80 NS-B50027-4, Generation T6, Winter 2015 (continued) 1 0 0 0.59 0.34 0 0 0.55 0 0.09 0 0.89 10.22 2 0 0 0.47 0.33 0 0 0.68 0 0.11 0.10 1.21 13.34 3 0 0 0.60 0.33 0 0 0.80 0 0 0.09 1.13 14.02 4 0 0 0.63 0.38 0 0 0.71 0.14 0.10 0.10 1.07 13.99 5 0 0 0.52 0.37 0 0 0.60 0.11 0 0.13 1.06 12.10 0 0 0.56 0.35 0 0 0.67 0.05 0.06 0.08 1.07 12.73 NS-B50027-4, Generation T5 Summer 2014-2015 (continued) 1 0.14 0 0.83 0.33 0 0 0.32 0.8 0.16 0.13 0.71 8.43 NS-B50027-4, Generation T4, Winter 2014 (continued) 1 0.07 0.46 0.26 1.09 0 0.41 0.85 8.89 Detailed fatty acid content data for NS-B50027-4 (continued) Sum of EPA, Total Total Total Total Total Oil NMR DPA, DHA Ω3 Ω6 Ω3/Ω6 Saturated Fat MUFA PUFA NS-B50027-4, Generation T7, Summer 2015-2016 (continued) 1* 39.3 10.94 35.39 8.39 4.22 7.74 44.74 43.78 2 38.8 11.04 35.54 8.36 4.25 7.41 44.62 43.89 3 39.2 11.12 35.79 8.41 4.26 7.64 44.41 44.20 4 39.5 11.23 35.85 8.40 4.27 7.59 44.41 44.25 5 39.4 11.10 35.85 8.40 4.27 7.68 44.19 44.25 11.09 35.68 8.39 4.25 7.67 44.48 44.07 NS-B50027-4, Generation T6, Winter 2015 (continued) 1 11.66 35.58 6.91 5.15 7.85 46.40 42.48 2 15.23 40.37 7.47 5.41 7.99 40.96 47.84 3 15.95 42.42 6.93 6.12 8.11 39.19 49.35 4 15.76 42.78 7.17 5.97 7.75 38.73 59.94 5 13.75 39.27 7.12 5.52 8.49 41.98 46.38 14.47 40.08 7.12 5.63 8.04 41.45 47.20 Total Total Mono- Sum of EPA Total Total Saturated unsaturated Total Oil NMR DPA, DHA Ω3 Ω6 Ω3/Ω6 Fat Fat PUFA NS-B50027-4, Generation T5, Summer 2014-2015 (continued) 1 9.46 34.09 9.49 3.59 7.76 45.00 43.58 *Sample number

The data in Table 11 confirm that in addition to LC-ω3 fatty acids, the seed of NS-B50027-4 also contains substantially more ALA than conventional canola varieties. See also Table 5. Although ALA is not a LC-PUFA, it is an ω3 fatty acid. The ratio of ω3:ω6 fatty acids in seed oil of NS-B50027-4 in Table 11 is about 3.59 to about 6.12; the ratio of ω3:ω6 fatty acids in conventional canola oil is about 0.5. Patterson et al., J. Nutr. Metab. (2012).

Table 12 presents data related to percent DHA and LC-PUFA in seed from sixteen generations of elite event NS-B50027-4 grown in experimental cultivations in Australia. An additional field trial in Australia generated bulk seed with 9.6% DHA and 10.1% LC-PUFA:

TABLE 12 Seed DHA % and LC-PUFA % from elite event NS-B50027-4 per generation Year Seed Seed Generation Seed sample Environment Growing Season in Field Location DHA % LC-PUFA %  1 T1 Single plant Glasshouse Controlled Environment A 5.7 6.0  2 T2 Single plant Glasshouse Controlled Environment A 9.5 10.1  3 T3 Single plant Glasshouse Controlled Environment A 12.6 13.1  4 T3-x Bulk Isolation Tent Winter/Spring 2014 B 8.9 10.2  5 T3-2x Bulk Open Field Summer 2014-15 C 8.4 9.5  6 T3-3x Bulk Open Field Winter/Spring 2015 D 9.0 10.6  7 T4 Single plant Glasshouse Controlled Environment A 11.9 13.2  8 T5 Single plant Glasshouse Controlled Environment A 13.4 14.6  9 T5-x Bulk Isolation Tent Winter/Spring 2015 B 12.7 14.5 10 T5-2x Bulk Open Field Summer 2015-16 C 9.8 11.1 11 T5-3x Bulk Open Field Winter/Spring 2016 D 9.6 10.6 12 T6 Single plant Glasshouse Controlled Environment A 12.9 14.4 13 T6-x Bulk Isolation Tent Summer 2015-16 C 17.3 18.8 14 T6-2x Bulk Isolation Tent Winter/Spring 2016 E 10.1 12.1 15 T7 Single plant Glasshouse Controlled Environment A 13.8 15.1 16 T7-x Bulk Isolation Tent Winter/Spring 2016 B 12.5 14.1

Additionally, the ability of NS-B50027-4 to grow in Canada was tested under controlled experimental conditions at two different sites in 2016. Table 13 presents agronomic and yield data comparing NS-B50027-4 with several non-transgenic canola lines:

TABLE 13 Agronomic measurement data for non-transgenic canola cultivars and experimental transgenic test lines from two Canadian experimental cultivations in 2016 Trait: Plant Start End Flow- Lodging Harvest Alternaria Blackleg Emer- Height of of ering at Shat- Plant Sym- Resis- Plant Grain Grain gence at Flow- Flow- Dur- Maturity tered Count ptoms tance Vigor Mois- % Grain Plant Maturity ering ering ation Score Seed Plant Score Score Score ture Garnet Yield Line name per m² cm Day Day Days (1-9) No. per m² (1-9) (1-9) (1-9) % % t/ha ATR Bonito 23 90 49 75 26 8 3 24 2 6 6 8 76 1.9 ATR Gem 22 98 48 76 27 7 2 23 3 6 6 8 79 2.0 ATR Stingray 21 88 48 75 27 9 6 26 3 7 5 6 61 1.7 ATR Wahoo 22 98 48 75 27 7 4 26 2 7 6 10 87 2.2 AV Garnet 27 110 48 76 28 6 7 23 3 7 6 8 100 2.6 AV Jade 27 109 48 76 29 8 3 27 2 7 7 7 85 2.1 AV Zircon 14 125 50 76 26 8 9 18 1 7 5 8 101 2.6 Monola 515TT 26 79 47 73 27 8 13 25 2 6 6 6 60 1.6 DK 7444 21 112 47 72 25 7 4 23 2 7 7 5 113 2.8 LL 130 18 123 47 73 26 8 4 21 2 7 6 6 114 2.9 NS-B50027-4 T3 11 109 49 77 28 8 4 16 2 8 4 8 80 2.1 NS-B50027-4 T5 16 111 49 76 27 8 2 18 2 8 6 9 82 2.3 Min Cultivar Value 14 79 47 72 25 6 2 18 1 6 5 5 60 1.7 NS-B50027-4 14 110 49 76 28 8 3 18 2 8 5 8 81 2.2 Max Cultivar Value 27 125 50 76 29 9 13 26 3 7 7 10 114 2.9

Because canola line NS-B50027-4 is substantially homogeneous, it can be reproduced by planting seeds of such line, growing the resulting canola plants under self-pollinating or sib-pollinating conditions with adequate isolation, and harvesting the resulting seed using conventional agronomic practices.

Example 2 Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) Assays

The phenotypic expression of transgenes in canola is determined both by the structure of the transgene cassette itself and by its insert location in the plant genome: the presence of transgenes at particular locations in the plant genome may influence the expression of the transgene and the overall phenotype of the plant. The incorporation of a recombinant DNA molecule in the plant genome typically results from transformation of a cell or tissue (or from another genetic manipulation). The particular site(s) of incorporation may be a matter of chance or predetermined (if a process of targeted integration is used). The agronomically or industrially successful introduction of a commercially interesting trait in a plant by genetic manipulation can be a lengthy procedure dependent on different factors. The actual transformation and regeneration of genetically transformed plants are only the first in a series of selection steps, which include extensive genetic characterization, breeding, and evaluation in field trials, eventually leading to the selection of an elite event.

NS-B50027-4 was developed following extensive selection breeding and field trials, and provides a canola cultivar that produces at least about 7%-15% DHA. Genetic analysis indicated that NS-B50027-4 had a transgenic insert on chromosome A02, and another transgenic insert on chromosome A05. The insert on A05 comprises two complete T-DNA-bordered cassettes of eight genes (Micpu-Δ6D, Pyrco-Δ5E, Pavsa-ASD, Picpa-ω3D, Pavsa-Δ4D, Lack1-Δ12D, Pyrco-Δ6E, and the PAT marker) aligned head-to-head (RB-LB:LB-RB). The insert on chromosome A02 comprises of a set of four genes Micpu-Δ6D, Pyrco-Δ5E, Pavsa-Δ5D, and Picpa-ω3D. Surprisingly, segregation crossing showed that the inserts on both chromosome A02 and chromosome A05 were required to achieve DHA production of about 11%.

About 1200 progeny from eight different BC and F₂ populations of DHA canola introgression breeding were used for DNA extraction based on LGC Octopure SOP developed in Nuseed Molecular Lab at Woodland. Briefly, two lyophilized leaf discs with diameter 0.25 inch were grounded in 300 μL of DNA extraction buffer (100 mM Tris-HCl, PH 8.0; 25 mM EDTA, PH 8.0; 0.5% SDS, 1.5 M NaCl) at 1,400 rpm for 8 minutes with GenoGrinder. After incubation in 55° C. water bath for 45 minutes and centrifuge at 4,500 rpm for 30 minutes, 50 μL of supernatant were transferred to 100 μL of LGC binding buffer with magnetic sbeadex beads. After binding and washing, the DNA was eluted to 80 μL of LGC DNA elution buffer.

DNA concentration was measured with NanoDrop 8000 (Thermo Scientific), and was in the range of 5.0-20.0 ng/μL with an average of 10.0 ng/μL. The DNA samples were diluted 1×. For each reaction, 2.0 μL (˜5.0 ng/μL) genomic DNA sample and 2 μL master mix with primers were dispensed to 384-well plate for KASP genotyping.

In addition to the progeny from DHA canola introgression populations, eight controls were included in genotyping. These included two non-GMO controls (Dwarf and AV Jade), two hemizygous controls (2.5 ng Av Jade or 2.5 ng Dwarf+2.5 ng B0050-027-18-20-12-19); two event positive controls (B0050-027-18-20-12-19), and four non-template controls (NTCs). The positive control (T5 plant B0050-027-18-20-12-19) was previously used for characterization of the DHA canola event through sequencing.

KASP assays were developed to provide simple, cost-effective, high throughput, and flexible ways to detect and monitor the eight transgenes and the four NS-B50027-4-specific junctions, and to further facilitate NS-B50027-4 introgression in breeding programs. The KASP™ genotyping chemistry, assay design, genotyping, and scoring were performed according to the standard protocol of manufacturer (LGC Ltd., Middlesex, UK) with modifications.

Sequence information was uploaded into LGC Kraken Workflow Manager, and KASP assays were designed using its assay design program Primer Picker. A typical KASP assay includes two allele-specific primers (Primer_Allele X for transgenic allele and Primer_Allele Y for non-transgenic, wildtype allele) and one common locus-specific primer (Primer_Common). Primer_Allele X is associated with fluorescent FAM, and Primer_Allele Y with fluorescent HEX.

Most of the assays targeting the junctions were this type of three-primer assays (Table 14). For detection of DHA canola, four-primer assays were also developed in addition to conventional three-primer assays mentioned above. The four-primer assays had transgenic allele-specific Primer_Allele X, wildtype allele-specific Primer_Allele Y, Omega 3 gene-specific Primer_Common and wildtype-specific Primer_Common 2 in the reaction. For detection of the eight genes in Omega 3 cassette, only two primers, Primer_Allele X and Primer_Common, were used in each assay (two-primer assay); both primers were Omega 3 gene-specific (Table 14):

TABLE 14 Primer sequences of 14 KASP assays for NS-B50027-4 detection and introgression KASP Assay ID Target Primer Name Primer Sequence NBN001 Micpu-Δ6D Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTCCAAGCACCGTAGTAAGA GAGCA (SEQ ID NO: 1) Primer Common GCTAAGAAGTGGGGACTCAACTACAA (SEQ ID NO: 2) NBN002 Pyrco-Δ5E Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTGCTCTTGCTGGAACTCTT GG (SEQ ID NO: 3) Primer_Common GGGTTAGCCACATTGTAGGTAACGTA (SEQ ID NO: 4) NBN003 Pavsa-Δ5D Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTTAAGAGACACCCTGGTGG AAAGA (SEQ ID NO: 5) Primer_Common TAGCATCAGTTCCAACTTGGTAAGCAAT (SEQ ID NO: 6) NBN004 Picpa-ω3D Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTGAACACGTAAGCAGACCA AGCAG (SEQ ID NO: 7) Primer_Common CCCTCTTCTCCCTAACGAATTCCTT (SEQ ID NO: 8) NBN005 Paysa-Δ4D Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTGAGGAACCTGTTGCTGCT AGTGA (SEQ ID NO: 9) Primer_Common GCGATCCTAGCACAAAGTTGAAGGTA (SEQ ID NO: 10) NBN006 Lack1- Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTGGATGGATCGCTTACCTC Δ12D TTCGT (SEQ ID NO: 11) Primer_Common CAGGGTAAGGTTGTCCTGTAACGTT (SEQ ID NO: 12) NBN007 Pyrco-Δ6E Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTCTATTGGATGGGGACTCA AGC (SEQ ID NO: 13) Primer_Common GGGAGATCCTTAGTAGCAGAAGAGAT (SEQ ID NO: 14) NBN008 PAT Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTCCTGAGAGGCGTCCTGTT GAAAT (SEQ ID NO: 15) Primer_Common AACAGCAGCCATATCAGCAGCAGTA (SEQ ID NO: 16) NBN009 A05 Insert Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTTGTTCTTGGGTGGGTCTG Junction 1 TCCTTC (SEQ ID NO: 17) Primer_Allele Y GAAGGTCGGAGTCAACGGATTGTGTTCTTGGGTGGGTCT GTCCTTA (SEQ ID NO: 18) Primer_Common1 ATCCACTAGCAGATTGTCGTTTCCC (SEQ ID NO: 19) Primer_Common2 GTTGGCTAAGGTCACGGTGGAG (SEQ ID NO: 20) NBN010 A05 Insert Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTCCGCCTTCAGTTTAAACT Junction 1 ATCAGTGTT (SEQ ID NO: 21) Primer_Allele Y GAAGGTCGGAGTCAACGGATTGGTCACGGTGGAGGTCAC CA (SEQ ID NO: 22) Primer_Common GGTGTGTTCTTGGGTGGGTCTG (SEQ ID NO: 23) NBN011 A05 Insert Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTACTTTTTTTTCAACTGTT Junction 2 GGCTAAGGTA (SEQ ID NO: 24) Primer_Allele Y GAAGGTCGGAGTCAACGGATTACTTTTTTTTCAACTGTT GGCTAAGGTC (SEQ ID NO: 25) Primer_Common 1 GTGTGTTCTTGGGTGGGTCTG (SEQ ID NO: 26) Primer_Common 2 GTCGTTTCCCGCCTTCAGTTT (SEQ ID NO: 27) NBN014 A02 Insert Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTAAACTATCAGTGTTTGAA Junction 1 CACCTCC (SEQ ID NO: 28) Primer_Allele Y GAAGGTCGGAGTCAACGGATTACAACTTGTCGTGCTACA CACCT (SEQ ID NO: 29) Primer_Common GGTTGTGTGAAAACGTGTGAGC (SEQ ID NO: 30) NBN015 A02 Insert Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTCTTTTAGCTAAATAAGAG Junction 2 GTTCTGTATACT (SEQ ID NO: 31) Primer_Allele Y GAAGGTCGGAGTCAACGGATTCTTTTAGCTAAATAAGAG GTTCTGTATACA (SEQ ID NO: 32) Primer_Common 1 GATTGTGATTCCGGGCAGT (SEQ ID NO: 33) Primer_Common 2 GTGTGAAAACGTGTGAGCAAT (SEQ ID NO: 34) NBN016 A02 Insert Primer_Allele X GAAGGTGACCAAGTTCATGCTTTGTGATTCCGGGCAGTA Junction 2 G (SEQ ID NO: 35) Primer_Allele Y GAAGGTCGGAGTCAACGGATTTGTGAGCAATTGTTGGAG GT (SEQ ID NO: 36) Primer_Common TCTTATCAACATTAAGAACATAATCTTTTAG (SEQ ID NO: 37)

The KASP genotyping system requires two components: the assay mix and the master mix. The assay mix is a mixture of required primers, and the master mix contains all other required components, including PCR buffer, the universal fluorescent reporting system, and Taq polymerase.

The KASP reaction was run in the volume of 4.0 μL, consisting 2.0 μL (10.0 ng) of genomic DNA, 2.0 μL of 2× KASP master mix, and 0.06 μL of the assay (primer) mix. The assay (primer) mix is a combination of 12 μM of allele-specific Primer_Allele X and 12 μM of Primer_Common for two-primer assays, a combination of 12 μM of allele-specific Primer_Allele X, 12 μM of allele-specific Primer_Allele Y, and 30 μM of Primer_Common for three-primer assays, and a combination of 12 μM of allele-specific Primer_Allele X, 12 μM of allele-specific Primer_Allele Y, 12 μM of Primer_Common and 12 μM of Primer_Common2 for four-primer assays.

The reactions were run in 384-well plate in LGC Hydrocycler 16 with the following cycling parameters: 1 cycle of 94° C. for 15 min, followed by eight cycles of 94° C. for 30 sec and 64° C.-57° C. (drop 1.0° C. per cycle) for 60 sec, and followed by thirty cycles of 94° C. for 30 sec and 57° C. for 60 sec. If clear genotyping clusters have not been obtained, the plate was further thermally cycled by three extra cycles of 94° C. for 30 sec and 57° C. for 60 sec.

After the completion of KASP reactions, transgenic allele was labeled with FAM through Primer_Allele X, and non-transgenic, wildtype allele was label with HEX through Primer_Allele Y. The fluorescent signals were read in a PheraStar microplate reader with an excitation wavelength of 485 nm and an emission wavelength of 520 nm for FAM and 535 nm/556 nm for HEX. Data were analyzed using LGC Kraken database.

Gene-specific, dominant (NBN01-NBN08; one assay/gene) were developed for detection of eight genes in the construct cassette. Insert-specific, co-dominant KASP assays, which targeted the upstream (NBN57, NBN68, NBN58, NBN85 and NBN14) and downstream (NBN16, NBN62 and NBN64) junctions of the insert on A02, and the upstream (NBN52, NBN51, NBN09, NBN50, NBN48 and NBN10) and downstream (NBN83, NBN82, NBN84, NBN66, NBN41 and NBN43) junctions of insert on A05, were developed and validated with 1200 progeny from NS-B50027-4 introgression populations (Table 14). Over 10,000 samples have been genotyped with these markers.

Thirty Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) assays were developed and validated, which target the eight genes and the four junctions of the two inserts of DHA canola event NS-B50027-4. These assays offered a simple, cost-effective, high throughput and flexible approach to detect and monitor NS-B50027-4 in a breeding program.

Example 3 Detailed Comparison of NS-B50027-4 and Non-Transgenic Canola

Data from canola seed production in experimental field plots from 2014-2016 were tabulated. The range of DHA and total EPA+DPA+DHA were based on several test field observations. Content of major fatty acids in both NS-B50027-4 and non-transgenic “Control” canola may vary by several percentage points depending on growing conditions. In the following Table 15, “0.0” may refer to a trace amount identified as below the amount needed to accurately determine the quantity of the component:

TABLE 15 Detailed comparison of fatty acid content of NS-B50027-4 with control NS- Control Fatty acid B50027-4 (%) Canola (%) Myristic C14:0 0.1 0.1 Palmitic C16:0 4.3 3.9 Palmitoleic C16.1 0.2 0.2 Stearic C18:0 2.2 1.6 Oleic C18:1n9c 38.7 63.6 Cis-vaccenic C18:1n7c 4.2 3.5 Linoleic C18:2n6c 7.8 13.1 GLA C18:3n6 0.6 0.0 ALA C18:3n3 21.7 10.3 Arachidic C20:0 0.6 0.6 SDA C18:4n3 2.2 0.0 Gondoic C20:1n9c 1.3 1.5 Heneicosanoic C21:0 0.0 0.0 DGLA C20:3n6 0.0 0.0 ETE C20:3n3 0.7 0.0 Behenic C22:0 0.3 0.3 ETA C20:4n3 0.0 0.0 Erucic C22:1n9c 0.0 0.0 EPA C20:5n3 0.4 0.0 Lignoceric C24:0 0.2 0.1 DPA6 C22:5n6 0.0 0.0 Nervonic C24:1n9c 0.1 0.2 DPA3 C22:5n3 0.9 0.0 DHA C22:6n3 9.8 (8-10) 0.0 Other 3.8 1.3 Sum: EPA + DPA + DHA 11.1 (10-12) 0.0 Total Omega 3 35.7 10.4 Total Omega 6 8.4 11.3 ω3/ω6 4.3 0.9 Total Saturated 7.7 6.7 Total Monounsaturated 44.5 68.9 Total Polyunsaturated 44.1 23.5

Seed harvested from experimental cultivation of NS-B50027-4 was crushed and oil obtained via cold-press. Seed harvested from the parental isogenic line, AV Jade, was similarly processed, and the content of each oil compared as shown in Table 16:

TABLE 16 NS-B50027-4 Oil Content Component (units) NS-B50027-4 AV Jade Saturated TAG (%) C4:0 Butyric <0.1 <0.1 C6:0 Caproic <0.1 <0.1 C8:0 Caprylic <0.1 <0.1 C10:0 Capric <0.1 <0.1 C12:0 Lauric <0.1 <0.1 C14:0 Myristic <0.1 <0.1 C15:0 Pentadecanoic <0.1 <0.1 C16:0 Palmitic 4.3 3.9 C17:0 Margaric <0.1 <0.1 C18:0 Stearic 2.9 2.5 C20:0 Arachidic 0.8 0.5 C22:0 Behenic 0.4 0.2 C24:0 Lignoceric 0.1 0.1 Total Saturated 8.7 7.3 Mono-unsaturated TAG (%) C14:1 Myristoleic <0.1 <0.1 C16:1 Palmitoleic 0.2 0.1 C17:1 Heptadecenoic <0.1 <0.1 C18:1 Oleic 44.9 58.8 C20:1 Eicosenic 1.3 1.0 C22:1 Docosenoic <0.1 <0.1 C24:1 Nervonic <0.1 <0.1 PUFA TAG (%) C18:2ω6 Linoleic 7.6 18.9 C18:3ω6 gamma-Linolenic 0.5 <0.1 C18:3ω3 alpha-Linolenic 20.9 10.5 C20:2ω6 Eicosadienoic <0.1 <0.1 C20:3ω6 Eicosatrienoic <0.1 <0.1 C20:3ω3 Eicosatrienoic 0.6 <0.1 C20:4ω6 Arachidonic <0.1 <0.1 C20:5ω3 Eicosapentaenoic 0.4 <0.1 C22:2ω6 Docosadienoic <0.1 <0.1 C22:4ω6 Docosatetraenoic <0.1 <0.1 C22:5ω3 Docosapentaenoic 1.0 <0.1 C22:6ω3 Docosahexaenoic 9.4 0.2 Total PUFA (%) 40.6 29.9 Total Mono Trans Fatty Acids 0.1 0.2 Total Poly Trans Fatty Acids 0.8 0.2 P:M:S Ratio 4.7:5.4:1 4.1:8.2:1 PUFA (%) Omega 3 Fatty Acids 32.3 10.9 Omega 6 Fatty Acids 8.2 19.0 ω3:ω6 3.94 0.57 Vitamins beta-Carotene (μg/100 g) 110 82 alpha-tocopherol (mg/100 g) 19 15 beta-tocopherol (mg/100 g) <0.1 <0.1 delta-tocopherol (mg/100 g) 0.6 0.8 gamma-tocopherol (mg/100 g) 43 42 Astaxanthin (mg/kg) <0.05 <0.05 Vitamin K1 (μg/100 g) 17 15 Phytosterols (mg/100 g) Cholesterol <5.0 <5.0 Brassicasterol 29 67 Campesterol 250 170 Campestanol <5.0 <5.0 Stigmasterol <5.0 <5.0 beta-Sitosterol 370 320 beta-Sitostanol 34 27 Total Phytosterol 690 600

In accordance with the Budapest Treaty, Applicants have made a deposit of at least 2500 seeds of Canola NS-B50027-4 with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC®) located at 10801 University Blvd., Manassas, Va., 20110-2209 U.S.A., Accession No. PTA-123186, and the viability of the seeds was confirmed by the ATCC®. During pendency of this application, access to the invention may be afforded to the Commissioner by request; all restrictions upon availability to the public are irrevocably revoked upon granting of the patent; the deposit of line NS-B50027-4 will be maintained in the ATCC depository, which is a public depository, for a period of 30 years, or 5 years after the most recent request, or for the effective life of the patent, whichever is longer; and will be replaced if it becomes nonviable during that period. The viability of the seeds was tested at the time of deposit. Applicants have satisfied all the requirements of 37 C.F.R. §§ 1.801-1.809. Applicants impose no restrictions on the availability of the deposited material from the ATCC; however, Applicant has no authority to waive any restrictions imposed by law on the transfer of biological material or its transportation in commerce. Applicant does not waive any infringement of its rights granted under this patent or under the Plant Variety Protection Act (7 U.S.C. § 2321 et seq.).

Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be clear to one of skill in the art that certain changes and modifications, such as single gene modifications and mutations, somoclonal variants, variant individuals selected from large populations of the plants of the instant inbred line, and the like, may be practiced within the scope of the invention which is limited solely by the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method of producing a seed oil comprising docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), said method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining the seed of the inbred canola line NS-B50027-4 or its progeny, representative seed of said inbred canola line NS-B50027-4 having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-123186, wherein said NS-B50027-4 or its progeny comprises in its genome a chromosome A02 transgenic locus and a chromosome A05 transgenic locus that are characteristic of the inbred canola line NS-B50027-4; and (b) extracting the seed oil from said seed.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ratio of ω-3:ω-6 fatty acids in said oil is in the range of about 3.6 to about
 6. 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of producing a foodstuff that comprises the seed oil for human consumption.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said foodstuff is cooking oil or salad oil.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of producing a foodstuff that comprises the seed oil for animal consumption.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said foodstuff is an aquaculture feed.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of producing a nutritional supplement that comprises the seed oil.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the seed oil is a refined oil.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein said seed oil comprises about 5% to about 16% (wt. % of total fatty acids in oil), inclusive, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said seed oil comprises about 5% to 17%, inclusive, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (sum eicosapentaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and DHA as wt. % of total fatty acids in said oil).
 11. A method of producing a seed meal obtained from seed of the inbred canola line NS-B50027-4 or its progeny, representative seed of said inbred canola line having been deposited under ATCC Accession No. PTA-123186, said method comprises the steps of: (a) crushing the seeds of said inbred canola line NS-B50027-4 or its progeny; (b) extracting the oil from the crushed seeds; and (c) obtaining the seed meal from the crushed seeds, wherein said NS-B50027-4 or its progeny comprises in its genome a chromosome A02 transgenic locus and a chromosome A05 transgenic locus that are characteristic of the inbred canola line NS-B50027-4.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising the step of producing a foodstuff that comprises the seed meal for animal consumption.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein said foodstuff is aquaculture feed. 